Medication Administration, Feeding & Nutrition, Intake & Output, Elimination & Specimen Collection Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering Medication Administration, Feeding & Nutrition, Intake & Output, and Elimination & Specimen Collection from the lecture notes.

What are the six rights of medication administration?

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation.

What must a complete medication order include?

Patient name, date/time, drug name, dose, route, frequency, prescriber’s signature.

Why do nurses use the three medication label checks?

To prevent errors—check when removing, preparing, and at bedside.

What nursing actions reduce aspiration risk in a patient with dysphagia?

Upright positioning, thickened liquids, small sips, crushed meds if allowed, monitor swallowing.

A nurse realizes she gave the wrong dose. What is her FIRST action?

Assess the patient’s condition for adverse effects.

What is required when documenting a medication error?

What happened, actions taken, patient response, notifications made (do not place in nurse's notes).

How must controlled substances be handled?

Kept locked, signed out, two-nurse witness for waste, exact documentation required.

Give two examples of unacceptable abbreviations.

U for units; QD for daily.

Which drugs are considered high alert?

Insulin, heparin, opioids—require double-checks and extra caution.

What are the five basic food groups in MyPlate?

Grains, vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy.

Define NPO.

Nothing by mouth.

Define clear liquid.

Broth, tea, clear juice.

Define full liquid.

Milk, pudding, cream soup.

Define soft.

Easily chewed foods.

Define pureed.

Blended foods.

Define regular diet.

No restrictions.

List three safe feeding techniques.

Sit upright, feed slowly, ensure dentures are in place.

Which patients are at greatest risk for poor nutrition?

Elderly, stroke patients, post-op, dysphagia, critically ill.

What precautions are used when feeding a patient with dysphagia?

Upright position, thickened liquids, small bites, stop if coughing.

Why is measuring intake and output important?

To monitor hydration, kidney function, and fluid balance.

A patient eats half of a lunch tray. How do you record this?

50% meal intake.

What counts as intake?

Oral fluids, IV fluids, tube feedings.

What counts as output?

Urine, vomit, diarrhea, wound drainage, suction output.

Why is accurate I&O measurement important?

Detects dehydration, fluid overload, kidney function problems.

What is the difference between a clean catch and a 24-hour urine collection?

Clean catch: sterile midstream sample. 24-hour: all urine collected over 24 hrs (kept refrigerated/iced).

How do you position a patient for an enema?

Left lateral (Sims’) position.

When is a fracture pan used instead of a regular bedpan?

When the patient cannot lift hips (e.g., hip fracture, spinal injury).

What’s important when applying a condom catheter?

Leave 1–2 inches at tip, secure without restricting blood flow.

What does a bladder scanner measure?

Bladder volume to assess urinary retention.

What are normal stool characteristics?

Soft, formed, brown, passed daily to every few days.

Name three types of enemas and their purposes.

Cleansing: stimulates BM; Retention: oil-based, softens stool; Medicated: delivers medication locally/systemically.

How often should an ostomy bag be emptied?

When 1/3 to 1/2 full.

What should you include in a bowel function assessment?

Frequency, consistency, last BM, pain, meds.

Why is it important to calculate shift output?

Ensures fluid balance and identifies kidney or GI issues.