Basics

What is the FIRST thing a nurse aide should do when finding an unresponsive client? A. Call for help. B. Close the door. C. Call the client's family. D. Start compressions.

A. Rationale: When encountering any type of emergency situation such as an unconscious client, always call for help first. Others can clear the area, phone for an ambulance, assist with CPR, help move or transfer the client, or document the events.

NPO means A. Nothing by mouth except water B. Nothing by mouth C. Nothing per ostomy D. Only ice chips in mouth

B. Rationale: NPO is a common medical term that means the client can not eat or drink anything, including water or ice chips. A doctor may order a patient to be NPO before surgery or certain lab work. If a client is ill or has a gastrointestinal condition, the doctor may write an order that the client be NPO until the cause is known. The nurse aide can provide mouth care for a client who is NPO. Placing an "NPO" sign over the client's bed will remind all staff members not to give the client anything to eat or drink.

A client is paralyzed on the right side. The nurse aide should place the signaling device A. at the foot of the bed. B. on the right side of the bed near the client's hand. C. on the left side of the bed near the client's hand. D. under the pillow.

C. Rationale: Clients who have had a stroke often have one-sided weakness or paralysis. They may not be able to use that side of their body, or they may not even be aware of the affected side. This is called "one-sided neglect." Rehabilitation services will help the patient recover as much as possible. As the client's caregiver, you can encourage the client to use the unaffected side by placing the signaling device where the client can reach it to call for assistance.

While eating dinner, a client starts to choke and turn blue. The nurse aide SHOULD A. immediately remove the client's food tray and go find the nurse in charge. B. slap the client on the back until the food dislodges. C. call for assistance and perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts). D. give the client a drink of water.

C. Rationale: Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) is the best response to choking. Calling for assistance as you prepare to do abdominal thrusts will alert others to the emergency. You can try a quick back slap, but if the food is not immediately dislodged, quickly start abdominal thrusts. To perform abdominal thrusts, stand behind the client and use your hands to exert upward pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm.

The nurse aide is responsible for the following fire prevention measures EXCEPT A. reporting all damaged wiring or sockets in clients' rooms. B. participating in fire drills. C. taking cigarettes and matches away from all clients and visitors. D. being aware of the locations of fire extinguishers.

C. Rationale: While smoking by clients and visitors may not be appropriate, the nurse aide may not take away their cigarettes or matches. However, the nurse aide can certainly report these actions to the charge nurse. The nurse aide should also be familiar with policies regarding smoking or smoking areas, to inform smokers if there are designated places. All staff must be aware of fire extinguisher locations and what to do in the event of a fire. Notifying the nurse or maintenance department of any damaged electrical wiring or sockets, as well as faulty electrical equipment can prevent a fire.