Nursing Exam Review Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering major nursing concepts, precautions, and patient-care facts discussed in the lecture notes.

Total Knee Replacement – Pillow Use

Avoid placing a pillow under the operative knee because it increases the risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

Total Knee Replacement – Cold vs. Heat

Ice may be applied for swelling; heat must never be placed directly on the incision site.

Confabulation

The unconscious fabrication of stories to fill memory gaps, often seen in dementia patients.

Dementia – Definitive Diagnosis

Can only be confirmed by brain autopsy; no scan can prove it while the patient is alive.

Respectful Communication With Older Adults

Address the older adult by their preferred name (e.g., Mr./Ms. Smith).

Dementia Unit Lighting

Avoid keeping lights bright all day; simulate normal day–night cycles to reduce agitation.

Chest Tube – Suction Bottle Position

Always keep the suction collection device lower than the patient’s chest to promote drainage.

COPD Diet

High-protein meals with about 8 cups (2 L) of water daily to maintain energy and thin secretions.

Incentive Spirometer Use

Patient should gradually increase inspiration volume; excessive effort may cause lung injury.

Tuberculosis – Typical Symptoms

Low-grade fever in the afternoon and fatigue are common early manifestations.

TB Patient Transport

The patient must wear a surgical mask when leaving the isolation room.

Tuberculosis Precaution Type

Airborne precautions requiring an N95 respirator and negative-pressure room.

ABCs Priority Framework

Assess and intervene in the order Airway → Breathing → Circulation when prioritizing care.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

Inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips to improve oxygenation.

Chest Tube Water-Seal Bubbling

Continuous gentle bubbling is expected; continue to monitor the system.

Droplet Precautions Example

Pneumonia requires droplet precautions and the use of a surgical mask within 3 ft of the patient.

Early Sign of Hypoxia

Restlessness and changes in level of consciousness indicate developing hypoxia.

Post-Cataract Surgery Position

Place the patient in semi-Fowler’s position to reduce intraocular pressure.

Cataract Appearance

Presents as a cloudy gray or opaque area over the eye’s lens.

Cataract – Activity Restriction

Do not bend at the waist after surgery to avoid increasing intraocular pressure.

Cataract – Color Vision

Patients often notice decreased color discrimination, especially for blues and purples.

Amsler Grid

A grid with a central dot used by patients to detect wavy, blurry, or missing lines suggesting macular degeneration.

Peripheral Vision Loss

Characteristic of glaucoma, often unnoticed until advanced.

Ménière’s Disease

Inner-ear disorder resulting in gradual sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and episodes of vertigo.

Retinal Detachment Care

Maintain strict head movement limitations to prevent further retinal separation.

Cast Care – Elevation

Keep the casted extremity elevated above heart level to minimize swelling.

Cold Therapy Duration

Apply ice packs no longer than 20 minutes at a time to avoid tissue damage.

Heat Therapy Precaution

Never apply heat directly over a fresh surgical incision to prevent bleeding and infection.