Nursing Care and Patient Safety Quiz

Which nursing action best represents a caring intervention?

• Administering prescribed IV fluids

• Teaching a client how to reposition independently

• Ordering physical therapy

• Applying sequential compression devices without an order

Answer explanation

Rationale:
Caring interventions are independent nursing actions based on scientific rationale. Teaching repositioning promotes mobility and safety and does not require a provider order.

Which are complications of immobility? Select all that apply.

• Atelectasis

• Muscle atrophy

• Increased venous return

• Constipation

• Urinary stasis

Answer explanation

Rationale:
Immobility decreases lung expansion, circulation, muscle use, bowel motility, and urinary flow. Venous return decreases, increasing DVT risk.

Which position is most appropriate for a patient with dyspnea?

• Supine

• Prone

• High Fowler’s

• Trendelenburg

Answer explanation

Rationale:
High Fowler’s position maximizes lung expansion and oxygenation, making it the best position for patients with breathing difficulty.

Which nursing actions help prevent pressure injuries? Select all that apply.

• Repositioning every 2 hours

• Keeping the head of bed elevated at all times

• Using pillows to offload bony prominences

• Encouraging early ambulation

• Dragging the patient up in bed

Answer explanation

Rationale:
Frequent repositioning, pressure relief, and mobility reduce skin breakdown. Dragging causes friction and shear, and constant HOB elevation increases shear.

A nurse assists a patient who uses a cane. Where should the cane be held?

• On the weaker side

• On the stronger side

• In both hands

• On the affected leg side

Answer explanation

Rationale:
The cane is held on the stronger side to widen the base of support and improve balance.

Which are examples of proper body mechanics? Select all that apply.

• Bending at the knees

• Twisting while lifting

• Keeping the load close to the body

• Using a wide base of support

• Lifting while fatigued

Answer explanation

Rationale:
Proper body mechanics reduce injury risk. Twisting and lifting while fatigued increase strain and back injury risk.

A patient becomes dizzy while dangling at the bedside. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Assist the patient to stand

• Call the healthcare provider

• Return the patient to a lying position

• Encourage deep breathing

Answer explanation

Rationale:
Dizziness during dangling suggests orthostatic hypotension. Safety is the priority—return the patient to bed immediately.

Which statements about sequential compression devices (SCDs) are correct? Select all that apply.

• They help prevent deep vein thrombosis

• They should be removed while the patient is in bed

• They require a provider order

• They promote venous return

• They increase the risk of clot formation

Answer explanation

Rationale:
SCDs enhance venous return and prevent clot formation. They must remain on while the patient is in bed and require an order.

Which description best explains shearing?

• Skin rubbing against bed linens

• Moisture-related skin breakdown

• Skin remains fixed while bones slide

• Pressure without movement

Answer explanation

Rationale:
Shearing occurs when the skin stays in place while underlying tissues move, leading to deep tissue injury and pressure ulcers.

Which are goals of personal hygiene care? Select all that apply.

• Promote comfort

• Maintain dignity

• Prevent infection

• Decrease circulation

• Improve self-esteem

Answer explanation

Rationale:
Personal hygiene promotes physical comfort, psychological well-being, dignity, infection prevention, and self-esteem.