Nursing Fundamentals Review

This set of flashcards covers essential nursing fundamentals, including bedmaking, bed baths, oral and denture care, and seizure precautions.

What is the first step in giving a bed bath?

Wash the eyes first without soap to decontaminate.

Why do we wash the eyes first during a bed bath?

To avoid bringing bacteria towards the eyes and causing infection.

When giving a bed bath, what is the last area to wash?

The perineum (genitals and rectum).

What should be done before washing the perineum?

Change the water.

When cleaning a patient with a vulva, which direction should you wipe?

From front to back.

Why is it important to wipe front to back in patients with a vulva?

To prevent fecal bacteria from reaching the urethra and causing urinary tract infections.

What should you do to the bed height while making a bed?

Raise the bed to waist height.

Why should linens not be shaken in a hospital?

To prevent the dispersal of skin cells and pathogens.

Where should soiled linens be placed immediately?

In the soiled linen bag, not on the floor.

What is key when providing oral care to an alert and oriented patient?

Place a basin under their mouth and provide a cup for rinsing and spitting.

If a patient is unconscious, how should you position their head during oral care?

Angle their head 45 degrees and turn them to the side.

What should be readily available when providing oral care to an unconscious patient?

Suction equipment.

Why is placing fingers in a patient's mouth not advisable?

It can cause injury and complications.

How should dentures be cared for in terms of handling?

Place towels in the sink basin to cushion them if dropped.

What solution should dentures be stored in?

Denture solution or water.

What is a critical action when a patient is on seizure precautions?

Pad the side rails of the bed.

What equipment should be available in the room of a patient on seizure precautions?

Oxygen delivery device and suction equipment.

What position should a patient be turned to during a seizure?

Their left side.

What should you do if the patient is standing and seizing?

Lower them gently to the floor with control.

What is the priority during a seizure for patient safety?

Protect the patient from harm.

What should not be placed in the mouth of someone having a seizure?

Anything, including fingers, belts, wallets, or tongue blades.

What should you note about a seizure?

The time it started and stopped.

What phase follows a seizure?

The postictal phase.

How might a patient behave in the postictal phase?

They may be disoriented, confused, or combative.

What should you do after a patient has a seizure?

Reorient them, keep them calm, and check vital signs.

Why is it important to perform a brief neurological exam after a seizure?

To assess the patient's condition and recovery.

How can you describe the experience of a postictal patient?

Scared, confused, and not acting like their normal self.

What should you do with soiled linens during bed making?

Place them immediately in the soiled linen bag.

Why do we angle a patient's head during oral care for an unconscious patient?

To prevent aspiration.

How should dentures be brushed?

With a toothbrush and toothpaste or a dedicated denture cleanser.

What to do if there are obstacles while a patient is seizing?

Move them out of the way to prevent injury.

Should you restrain a patient who is having a seizure?

No, it can cause them to hurt themselves.

What common misconception about seizures is noted in the lecture?

That patients should be restrained or have objects placed in their mouths.

How do we ensure patient safety during bed baths?

By following proper techniques and hygiene precautions.

What is the proper order of washing during a bed bath?

Eyes, face, chest, arms, abdomen, legs, feet, back, perineum.

How do we prevent urinary tract infections in female patients during a bed bath?

By wiping from front to back.

During denture care, what should be done if they are dropped?

Ensure they are cushioned by towels in the sink basin.

How should dentures be labeled when stored?

With the patient's name and date of birth.

What is essential to keep in mind during a seizure?

Never put anything in the patient's mouth.

How does a nurse ensure to monitor a patient after a seizure?

By recording vital signs and conducting a neurologic assessment.

What to document regarding the duration and characteristics of a seizure?

When it started and stopped, and any notable features.

What psychological state may a patient experience postictally?

Disorientation or confusion.

What should you do to the bed linens while making a bed?

Do not shake them to avoid spreading pathogens.

Why is oral care crucial in patients who are unconscious?

To prevent aspiration and maintain hygiene.

How can nurses effectively communicate with a disoriented seizure patient?

By assuring them and reorienting them gently.

What happens during the seizure phase?

The patient experiences uncontrolled movements and possibly loss of consciousness.

How can a nurse prepare for seizure emergencies?

By having suction and oxygen equipment readily accessible.

What action should a nurse take if a patient starts to seize while standing?

Gently lower them to the ground.

What is important about towel placement during denture cleaning?

To avoid breaking the dentures if dropped.

What is a critical safety measure for patients during a seizure?

Ensure their surroundings are clear of hazards.

What phases are typically recognized after a seizure?

The ictal phase (during) and the postictal phase (after).

What is the recommended method to clean individual body parts during a bed bath?

Use a separate part of the cloth or a different cloth for each area.

What should be documented after observing a seizure?

Observation details including duration and observed behavior.

When giving oral care, how should the patient be positioned?

With their head angled to the side.

What is the function of a basin during oral care?

To catch saliva and rinsing water.

What is the correct way to assist a patient in the postictal phase?

Reorientation and reassurance.

What does padding side rails during seizure precautions help prevent?

Injury from hitting hard surfaces.

What should be noted about the materials used for bed making?

They should be clean and not shaken.

Why is it advised against for patients to wear tight clothing during a seizure?

It can restrict their airway and cause discomfort.

What is one critical task to do if a patient begins to seize?

Turn them onto their left side.

After a seizure, how can a patient’s vital signs indicate their recovery?

By monitoring for stability and changes.

Which action is no longer recommended during seizures based on evidence-based practice?

Restraining the patient or placing objects in their mouth.

What can be done with linens after bed baths to reduce infection risk?

Place them directly into the soiled linen bag.

What informs how to care for patients with seizures?

Best practices from nursing fundamentals and knowledge of evidence.

Why is proper documentation important for seizures?

It aids in understanding seizure patterns and patient care.

What mental state might a patient express during the postictal phase?

Confusion or fear.

What technique should be avoided when dealing with a patient having a seizure?

Violently restraining them.

What could happen if harmful objects are left near a patient who is seizing?

They may hit their head and cause injury.

When caring for unconscious patients, what role does suctioning play?

To clear the airway and prevent aspiration.

What psychological support is essential post-seizure?

Emotional reassurance and calm communication.

What to do immediately following a seizure?

Check and record the patient’s vitals.

What should not be done during a seizure according to modern nursing practices?

Do not hold the patient down.

What equipment should be set up in a room of someone with seizure precautions?

Oxygen and suction equipment.

In what position should a patient be turned during a seizure?

To their left side.

How can a nurse promote safety during a bed bath?

By using proper techniques and ensuring comfort.

What should always be placed beneath a patient's mouth during oral care?

A basin.

What’s one recommendation for handling dentures?

Store them in a labeled denture cup.

How should a nurse assist a patient during a seizure?

By moving harmful objects away.

What is the importance of documentation regarding the timing of seizures?

It helps determine seizure type and frequency.

What is one main concern during the postictal phase for a patient?

They may be confused and need reassurance.

What is the guideline for washing the back during a bed bath?

Use a clean part of the cloth.

What should be done to maintain dignity while providing care during a bed bath?

Provide privacy and use modesty measures.

When should linen be changed during a bed bath?

When it becomes soiled or damp.

What behavior should you avoid during a seizure situation?

Panicking or causing additional stress to the patient.

What phase comes immediately after the ictal phase?

The postictal phase.

What is the purpose of having a towel in the sink during denture cleaning?

To prevent dentures from breaking if dropped.

Why is it important to comfort a patient in the postictal phase?

To alleviate their disorientation and fear.

What is a non-invasive way to keep an unconscious patient's mouth clear?

Using suction equipment.

What should you avoid during a bed bath in a hospital setting?

Shaking or dispersing linens.

What might accompany a patient’s confusion post-seizure?

Emotional distress or upset.

How to effectively use suction during oral care?

Active presence in case of aspiration risk.

Why is it critical to have well-organized seizure protocols available?

To ensure immediate and effective patient care.

What impact do improved seizure care practices have on patient outcomes?

They lead to safer and more supportive care environments.

What role does patient observation play during a seizure?

To gather data for documentation and follow-up care.

What should you always use in the Oral care for alert patients?

A basin and cup for rinsing.

What’s one thing to keep in mind when working with a patient who wears dentures?

Handle with care to avoid damage.

How is a patient's airway protected during a seizure?

Lying them on their left side.

Why is timely reporting of seizure activity important?

It helps the healthcare team understand the patient's condition.

What to remember when returning a patient to bed after a seizure?

Ensure they are in a safe position.

How should vital signs be handled after a seizure?

They should be recorded as part of the assessment.