Safe Use Of Equipment, Assistive Devices - NCLEX Pn
- Which option is correct for safe oxygen use in the patient room?
- Post no-smoking sign and keep oxygen away from flames and heat sources. Mitigates fire risk as oxygen supports combustion, requiring elimination of ignition sources.
- What is the correct action to take before using any electrical equipment at the bedside?
- Inspect cord and plug for damage; verify proper grounding and function. Ensures electrical safety by identifying defects that could cause shocks or fires before patient exposure.
- What is the safest way to move a patient up in bed when the patient cannot assist?
- Use a friction-reducing device and adequate staff; avoid pulling on skin. Minimizes shear forces and skin trauma while ensuring sufficient manpower for controlled movement.
- What is the correct action when transferring a patient with a gait belt?
- Apply snugly over clothing at waist; grasp from the back/side. Provides secure, non-slip support at the center of gravity for safe assisted movement.
- Which instruction is correct for a patient using a walker to sit in a chair?
- Back up until legs touch chair, reach for armrests, then sit. Ensures tactile confirmation of chair position for controlled, supported lowering to prevent falls.
- Identify the safest placement of the wheelchair before transferring a patient from bed to chair.
- Place at – degrees to bed on stronger side; lock wheels; remove footrests. Facilitates smooth transfer by aligning for minimal reach and ensuring stability and accessibility.
- Which instruction is correct for using crutches when going down stairs?
- Down with the bad: crutches and affected leg first, then good leg. Ensures safe descent by lowering the affected side first to maintain balance and control.
- What is the correct nursing action if an IV pump alarm indicates occlusion?
- Assess for kinks/infiltration; correct cause; restart per policy. Systematically troubleshoots to restore flow and prevent complications like infiltration.
- What is the correct first action before assisting a patient to stand from a wheelchair?
- Lock the wheelchair wheels. Prevents unintended movement of the wheelchair, reducing risk of falls during standing.
- What is the correct action if a patient reports tingling while a heating pad is in use?
- Remove heat source immediately and assess skin and sensation. Prevents potential burns or nerve damage by promptly discontinuing heat application and evaluating response.
- Which statement best prevents brachial plexus injury when using axillary crutches?
- Support weight on hands, not on the axilla. Distributes weight through arms to avoid pressure on axillary nerves and potential palsy.
- Which instruction is correct for a patient using a cane for unilateral weakness?
- Hold the cane on the stronger side. Optimizes balance and support by positioning the cane to counteract weakness on the opposite side.
- What is the safest technique for using a walker during ambulation?
- Advance walker, step with weaker leg, then step with stronger leg. Enhances stability by positioning the walker ahead before advancing the weaker leg.
- Which action is correct to prevent aspiration when feeding via enteral pump?
- Verify tube placement per policy and keep HOB elevated during feeding. Reduces aspiration risk by confirming tube position and maintaining semi-upright posture to aid digestion.
- What is the priority nursing action if a hospital bed wheel lock does not engage?
- Remove bed from use and report for repair per facility policy. Prioritizes patient safety by immediately addressing equipment malfunction to prevent instability-related injuries.
- What is the correct action when suction equipment is needed but the canister is full?
- Replace canister using standard precautions before suctioning. Maintains infection control and equipment functionality by handling biohazard waste appropriately.
- What is the correct handgrip position for axillary crutches?
- Elbows flexed about – degrees with hands on grips. Facilitates ergonomic support and efficient propulsion without excessive strain on joints.
- What is the correct crutch fit for axillary crutches to prevent nerve injury?
- Allow – finger widths between axilla and crutch top. Prevents axillary nerve compression by maintaining adequate space for proper weight distribution.
- What is the correct response if enteral feeding is running and the patient is laid flat for care?
- Pause feeding and re-elevate HOB; resume per policy when safe. Prevents reflux and aspiration by interrupting feeding during position changes that increase risk.
- What is the correct nursing action if a pulse oximeter reads low but the patient is asymptomatic?
- Assess probe placement/perfusion and recheck before escalating. Rules out technical errors like poor sensor contact before assuming clinical deterioration.
- Which option is correct when the patient begins to fall during ambulation?
- Guide patient to the floor, protect head, and call for assistance. Minimizes injury by controlling descent and prioritizing protection of vital areas while seeking help.
- Which option best prevents patient falls when the nurse leaves the room?
- Bed in lowest position, wheels locked, call light within reach. Reduces fall risk by minimizing bed height, securing position, and enabling quick access to assistance.
- Which instruction is correct for using crutches when going up stairs?
- Up with the good: good leg first, then crutches and affected leg. Promotes stability on ascent by leading with the unaffected leg to support body weight.
- Which instruction is correct for safe use of sequential compression devices (SCDs)?
- Remove at least once per shift to assess skin and provide hygiene. Prevents skin breakdown and circulatory issues by allowing regular inspection and care.
- What is the correct sequence for cane gait with a weak left leg?
- Cane and left leg together, then right leg steps through. Facilitates stable gait by advancing support with the weak leg before the strong leg bears weight.