7 Basic Nursing Skills

Admission, Transfer, and Discharge of a Resident

Moving is always an adjustment, especially for older adults with illnesses, disabilities, and mobility issues.
Nursing Assistants (NAs) play a crucial role in supporting residents during their transition to long-term care facilities by providing emotional support, kindness, compassion, and helpfulness.

LGBTQ Residents

New LGBTQ residents might experience heightened anxiety when entering long-term care facilities, fearing a lack of acceptance from staff and other residents, or that their partners will be treated differently than heterosexual partners.
NAs should provide professional and caring service without judgment to ensure all residents feel comfortable and welcome in their new home.

Admission Process

Admission is often the NA’s first interaction with a new resident, making it a time of first impressions.
Staff should communicate with new residents about what to expect during the admission process, answering questions within their scope of practice, and directing other inquiries to the nurse.
It’s helpful for the NA to ask about the resident's personal preferences and routines, or to consult with the resident's family if the resident is unable to respond.
Prepare the room before the resident arrives to create a welcoming environment by making the bed, tidying the room, and restocking supplies, including an admission kit (bath basin, emesis basin, water pitcher, cup, toothpaste, soap, comb, lotion, tissues, urine specimen cup, label, transport bag).
Note the resident's arrival time and condition (wheelchair, stretcher, walking), identify who is accompanying them, and observe their level of consciousness, signs of confusion, nervousness, and any existing tubes such as a catheter.
Introduce yourself, state your position, and address the resident by their formal name until they indicate their preference.
Avoid rushing the admission process, ensuring the resident feels welcome and valued.
Explain the facility's daily routines and offer a tour of important areas like the dining room, introducing them to other residents and staff, including their roommate.
Handle the resident's personal items with care and respect, placing them according to their preferences.
Be attentive to any missed important details during admission and report observations such as disconnected tubing, confusion, combativeness, difficulty breathing, pain, distress, bruises, wounds, missed meals, or the presence of valuables, medications, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or dentures to the nurse.
Follow facility policy regarding additional admission tasks.

Residents’ Rights

OBRA requires informing residents of their legal rights upon admission, providing a written copy including rights related to funds, filing complaints, and advance directives.

Admission Procedure Steps

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly for understanding and independence.
Provide privacy using a curtain, screen, or door.
Measure height, weight, baseline vital signs, obtain a urine specimen (if required), complete paperwork, inventory personal items, assist with putting items away, and label items per facility policy.
Show the resident the room and bathroom, explaining bed controls and the call light, telephone, lights, and television controls for safety.
Introduce the resident to their roommate, other residents, and staff to foster comfort.
Ensure the resident is comfortable and bring the family back in.
Place the call light within reach for communication with staff.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Document the procedure according to facility guidelines.

Transferring a Resident

Transferring to a different area or hospital can be difficult, especially with illness or worsening conditions. Staff should make the transfer as smooth as possible.
Inform the resident of the transfer as soon as possible, explaining how, where, when, and why it will occur, and answer any questions.
Involve residents in packing their personal items to ease worries about losing belongings.

Transfer Procedure Steps

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly for understanding and independence.
Collect and move items to the new location or temporary storage if going to the hospital.
Assist the resident into a wheelchair or stretcher and transport them to the correct area.
Introduce the resident to new residents and staff to foster comfort.
Help the resident put personal items away.
Ensure the resident is comfortable.
Place the call light within reach for communication with staff.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Report any changes in the resident to the nurse for assessment.
Document the procedure according to facility guidelines.

Discharging a Resident

Discharge requires a doctor’s order, followed by the nurse providing discharge instructions covering future appointments, home care, medications, ambulation, medical equipment, transportation, activity restrictions, special exercises, nutrition, and community resources.
NAs assist by collecting and packing the resident's belongings, knowing their condition, and determining if a wheelchair or stretcher is needed.
Offer reassurance to residents who may feel uncertain or fearful about leaving the facility, while directing specific care questions to the nurse.

Residents' Rights - Transfers or Discharges

OBRA mandates advance notice before transfer or discharge, including specifics of where and why, in a language the resident understands, with proper preparation.

Discharging a Resident - Steps

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly for understanding and independence.
Provide privacy with a curtain, screen, or door.
Measure the resident's vital signs.
Compare the inventory list to the items present and have the resident sign if all items are accounted for.
Move personal items to the pick-up area.
Assist the resident in dressing and transferring to a wheelchair or stretcher.
Help the resident say goodbye to staff and residents.
Transport the resident to the pick-up area and assist them into the vehicle, ensuring they are safely inside and the door is closed.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Document the procedure including vital signs, time of discharge, method of transport, accompanying individuals, and a list of items taken.

Monitoring Vital Signs

NAs play a vital role in monitoring, documenting, and reporting vital signs to reflect the function of vital organs, including pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
Changes in vital signs must be immediately reported to the nurse, indicating a potential worsening of the resident's condition.
Normal Ranges for Adult Vital Signs:
- Temperature:
  - Oral: 97.6° - 99.6°F (36.4° - 37.6°C)
  - Rectal: 98.6° - 100.6°F (37.0° - 38.1°C)
  - Axillary: 96.6° - 98.6°F (35.9° - 37.0°C)
  - Tympanic: 96.6° - 99.7°F (35.9° - 37.6°C)
  - Temporal Artery: 97.2° - 100.1°F (36.2° - 37.8°C)
- Normal Pulse Rate: 60 - 100 beats per minute
- Normal Respiratory Rate: 12 - 20 respirations per minute
- Blood Pressure:
  - Normal: Systolic 90-119 mm Hg and Diastolic 60-79 mm Hg
  - Low (hypotensive): Systolic Below 90 mm Hg or Diastolic Below 60 mm Hg
  - Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mm Hg and Diastolic Less than 80 mm Hg
  - Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139 mm Hg or Diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
  - Stage 2 hypertension: At or over 140 mm Hg or Diastolic At or over 90 mm Hg
  - Hypertensive crisis: Over 180 mm Hg and/or Diastolic Over 120 mm Hg

Measuring Body Temperature

Normal body temperature is typically close to 98.6°F (37°C), reflecting a balance between heat production and loss influenced by age, illness, stress, environment, exercise, and the circadian rhythm.
Temperature sites include oral, rectal, axillary, tympanic, and temporal artery, each requiring specific thermometers.
Thermometer types: Digital, Electronic, Tympanic, Temporal artery, Mercury-free.

Oral Temperature Measurement

Do not measure oral temperature if the resident has smoked, eaten/drunk fluids, chewed gum, or exercised in the last 10-20 minutes.

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly for understanding and independence.
Provide privacy with a curtain, screen, or door.
Put on gloves.
Prepare thermometer:
- Digital: Apply disposable sheath, turn on until ready.
- Electronic: Attach probe cover.
- Mercury-free: Shake down below 96°F (35°C).
Insert thermometer under the tongue to one side.
Instruct resident to close lips around thermometer and breathe through nose; assist if necessary.
Remove and read thermometer:
- Digital: Read display screen.
- Electronic: Read display screen, remove probe.
- Mercury-free: Wipe, read at eye level.
Discard sheath/cover, clean thermometer.
Remove gloves.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Record temperature, date, time, and method immediately.
Place call light within reach.
Report changes to the nurse.

Rectal Temperature Measurement

Explain the procedure thoroughly to the resident to gain cooperation.

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly for understanding and independence.
Provide privacy with a curtain, screen, or door.
Adjust the bed to a safe level, usually waist high. Lock the bed wheels.
Help the resident to the left-lying (Sims') position
Fold back the linens to expose only the rectal area.
Put on gloves.
Prepare thermometer:
- Digital: Apply disposable sheath, turn on until ready.
- Electronic: Attach probe cover.
- Mercury-free: Shake down below lowest number, apply sheath.
Lubricate thermometer tip.
Insert into rectum 1/2 to 1 inch; do not force.
Replace sheet, hold thermometer.
Wait for reading.
- Digital: Until blinks or beeps.
- Electronic: Until tone or flashing light.
- Mercury-free: At least 3 minutes.
Gently remove thermometer, wipe, discard tissue/sheath.
Read at eye level.
Clean thermometer.
Remove gloves.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Immediately record temperature, date, time, and method.
Place call light within reach.
Report changes to the nurse.

Tympanic Temperature Measurement

Explain that the process is painless.

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly for understanding and independence.
Provide privacy with a curtain, screen, or door.
Put on gloves.
Put a disposable sheath over the earpiece of the thermometer.
Position the resident's head so that the ear is in front of you. Straighten the ear canal by gently pulling up and back on the outside edge of the ear
Hold the thermometer in place until it blinks or beeps.
Read the temperature. Remember the temperature reading.
Discard the sheath. Return the thermometer to storage or to the battery charger if the thermometer is rechargeable.
Remove and discard your gloves.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Immediately record the temperature, date, time, and method used (tympanic). Record the temperature immediately so you won't forget. Care plans are made based on your report.
Place the call light within the resident's reach. Allows the resident to communicate with staff as necessary.
Report any changes in resident to the nurse. Provides nurse with information to assess resident.

Axillary Temperature Measurement

Explain to the resident to promote understanding and independence.

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly.
Provide privacy with a curtain.
Adjust bed height and lock the wheels.
Put on gloves.
Remove arm from gown sleeve; wipe axillary area.
Prepare thermometer;
- Digital: Apply disposable sheath, turn on until ready.
- Electronic: Attach probe cover.
- Mercury-free: Shake down below lowest number, apply sheath.
Position thermometer in armpit, fold arm over chest.
Wait for reading:
- Digital: Until blinks or beeps.
- Electronic: Until tone or flashing light.
- Mercury-free: 8-10 minutes.
Remove and read thermometer.
- Digital: Read display screen.
- Electronic: Read display screen, remove probe.
- Mercury-free: Wipe, read at eye level.
Clean thermometer.
Discard gloves.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Put the resident's arm back into the sleeve of the gown.
Immediately record the temperature, date, time, and method used (axillary).
Return the bed to its lowest position. Remove privacy measures.
Place the call light within the resident's reach.
Report any changes in resident to the nurse.

Pulse Measurement

The pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.
Normal pulse rate for adults is 60-100 bpm.
Factors affecting pulse rate include exercise, fear, anxiety, heat, infection, illness, medications, and pain.

Respiration Measurement

Respiration involves inhaling air (inspiration) and exhaling air (expiration).
Normal respiration rate for adults ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Count respiration rate immediately after pulse without making it obvious to the resident.

Counting and Recording Radial Pulse and Counting and Recording Respirations - Steps

Identify yourself and the resident to ensure correct identification and respect.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure clearly, slowly, and directly for understanding and independence.
Provide privacy with a curtain, screen, or door.
Locate the radial pulse
Count the beats for 1 full minute.
Count respirations for 1 full minute. Observe the pattern and character of the resident's breathing. Count will be more accurate if the resident does not know you are counting his respirations.
Wash your hands for infection prevention.
Immediately record the pulse rate, date, time, and method used (radial). Record the respiratory rate and the pattern or character of breathing. Record pulse and respiration rate immediately so you won't forget. Care plans are made based on your report.
Place the call light within the resident's reach. Allows the resident to communicate with staff as necessary.
Report to the nurse if the pulse is less than 60 beats per minute, over 100 beats per minute, if the rhythm is irregular, or if breathing is irregular.

Blood Pressure Measurement

Important indicator of health, measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Systolic (top number): heart contracts, normal range below 120 mm Hg.
Diastolic (bottom number): heart relaxes, normal range below 80 mm Hg.
Blood pressure can be affected by aging, exercise, stress, pain, medications, illness, obesity, alcohol intake, tobacco products, and blood volume.
Blood pressure should not be measured on an arm that has an IV, a dialysis shunt, or any medical equipment. A side that has a cast, recent trauma, paralysis, burns, or has had breast surgery (mastectomy) should be avoided.
Manual sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Measuring - Steps

Identify yourself by name. Identify the resi- dent according to facility policy. Resident has the right to know the identity of the caregiver. Identifying the resident by name shows re- spect and establishes correct identification.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure to the resident. Speak clearly, slowly, and directly. Maintain face-to- face contact whenever possible. Promotes understanding and independence.
Provide for the resident's privacy with a cur- tain, screen, or door. Maintains the resident's right to privacy and dignity.
Before using the stethoscope, wipe the dia- phragm and earpieces with alcohol wipes. This reduces pathogens, prevents ear infections, and prevents the spread of infection.
Ask the resident to roll up his sleeve so that
Position the resident's arm with his palm up. The arm should be level with the heart. The legs should not be crossed. A false low reading is possible if the arm is above the heart level.
With the valve open, squeeze the cuff. Make sure it is completely deflated.
Place the blood pressure cuff snugly on the resident's upper arm. The center of the cuff with sensor/arrow should be placed over the brachial artery (1-11⁄2 inches above the elbow, toward the inside of the elbow)
Ask the resident to remain still and quiet dur- ing the measurement.
Locate the brachial pulse with your fingertips.
Place the earpieces of the stethoscope in your ears.
Place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the brachial artery.
Close the valve (clockwise) until it stops. Do not overtighten it
Inflate the cuff to between 160 mm Hg to 180 mm Hg. If a beat is heard immediately upon cuff deflation, completely deflate the cuff. Re- inflate the cuff to no more than 200 mm Hg.
Open the valve slightly with the thumb and index finger. Deflate the cuff slowly. Releasing the valve slowly allows you to hear beats accurately.
Watch the gauge. Listen for the sound of the puls e.
Remember the reading at which the first pulse sound is heard. This is the systolic pressure.
Continue listening for a change or muffling of pulse sound. The point of a change or the point at which the sound disappears is the diastolic pressure. Remember this reading.
Open the valve. Deflate the cuff completely. Remove the cuff. An inflated cuff left on resident's arm can cause numbness and tingling. If you must take blood pres- sure again, completely deflate cuff and wait 30 sec- onds. Never partially deflate a cuff and then pump it up again. Blood vessels will be damaged and the reading will be falsely high or low.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Immediately record both the systolic and diastolic pressures. Record the numbers like a fraction, with the systolic reading on top and the diastolic reading on the bottom (for example: 110/70). Note which arm was used. Use RA for right arm and LA for left arm. Record readings immediately so you won't forget. Care plans are made based on your report.
Wipe the diaphragm and earpieces of stetho- scope with alcohol wipes. Store equipment.
Place the call light within the resident's reach. Allows the resident to communicate with staff as necessary.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Report any changes in resident to the nurse. Provides nurse with information to assess resident.

Electronic Blood pressure Measuring - Steps

Identify yourself by name. Identify the resi- dent according to facility policy. Resident has the right to know the identity of the caregiver. Identifying the resident by name shows re- spect and establishes correct identification.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure to the resident. Speak clearly, slowly, and directly. Maintain face-to- face contact whenever possible. Promotes understanding and independence.
Provide for the resident's privacy with a cur- tain, screen, or door. Maintains the resident's right to privacy and dignity.
Ask the resident to roll up his sleeve so that his upper arm is exposed. Do not measure blood pressure over clothing.
Position the resident's arm with his palm up. The arm should be level with the heart. The legs should not be crossed. A false low reading is possible if the arm is above the heart level.
Make sure the cuff is completely deflated. Place the blood pressure cuff snugly on the resident's upper arm. The center of the cuff with the sensor/arrow should be placed over the brachial artery (1-11⁄2 inches above the elbow, toward the inside of the elbow). The cuff must be the proper size and put on the arm correctly so the amount of pressure on the artery is correct. If not, the reading will be falsely high or low.
Ask the resident to remain still and quiet dur- ing the measurement.
Turn on the blood pressure machine and press the start button.
When the measurement is complete, the reading will be displayed on the screen and the machine may beep. The cuff should deflate.
Remove the cuff.
Wash your hands.
Immediately record both the systolic and diastolic pressures that are displayed on
the screen. Note which arm was used. Use RA for right arm and LA for left arm. Record readings immediately so you won't forget. Care plans are made based on your report.
Store equipment.
Place the call light within the resident's reach. Allows the resident to communicate with staff as necessary.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Report any changes in resident to the nurse. Provides nurse with information to assess resident.

Pulse Oximeter Reading

The NA should report the oxygen percentage to the nurse. The nurse will determine if the level is adequate for the resident.

Pain Management

Pain is a personal experience and not a normal part of aging.
NAs must take residents' complaints of pain seriously, reporting them immediately, and listening to what residents are saying about the way they feel. They should take action to help them.

Assessment Questions

Suggested questions for assessing pain include:
- Where is the pain?
- When did the pain start?
- How long does the pain last?
- How often does it occur?
- How severe is the pain (rate on a scale of 0-10)?
- Can you describe the pain?
- What makes the pain better/worse?
- What were you doing when the pain started?

Barriers to Pain Management

Barriers include:
- Fear of addiction
- Normal part of aging
- Side effects
- Too busy
- Will cause death

Guidelines: Pain Management

Non-pharmacological interventions:
- Proper positioning
- Back rubs
- Warm bath/shower
- Assistance with elimination
- Encourage deep breathing
- Provide calm environment
- Be patient, caring, gentle, and responsive

Observing and Reporting: Pain

Report any of these to the nurse:

Increased pulse, respirations, blood pressure
Sweating
Nausea
Vomiting
Tightening the jaw
Squeezing eyes shut
Holding or guarding a body part
Clenching fists
Frowning
Grinding teeth
Increased restlessness
Agitation or tension
Change in behavior
Crying
Sighing
Groaning
Breathing heavily
Rocking
Pacing
Repetitive movements
Difficulty moving or walking

Measuring Weight and Height

Changes can be signs of illness
Report any weight loss or gain, no matter how small.
Weight will be measured using pounds or kilograms. A pound is a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces. A kilogram is a unit of mass equal to 1000 grams; one kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.

Measuring and recording weight of an ambulatory resident - Steps

Identify yourself by name. Identify the resi- dent according to facility policy. Resident has the right to know the identity of the caregiver. Identifying the resident by name shows re- spect and establishes correct identification.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure to the resident. Speak clearly, slowly, and directly. Maintain face-to- face contact whenever possible. Promotes understanding and independence.
Provide for the resident's privacy with a cur- tain, screen, or door. Maintains the resident's right to privacy and dignity.
Make sure the resident is wearing nonskid shoes before walking to the scale.
Start with the scale balanced at 0 before weighing the resident. Scale must be balanced on zero for weight to be accurate.
Help the resident to step onto the center of the scale. Be sure she is not holding, touch- ing, or leaning against anything. This interferes with weight measurement.
Determine the resident's weight. Balance the scale by making the balance bar level. Move the small and large weight indicators until the bar balances. Read the two numbers shown (on the small and large weight indica- tors) when the bar is balanced. Add these two numbers together. This is the resident's weight
Help the resident to safely step off the scale before recording the weight. Protects against
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Immediately record the resident's weight in pounds (lb) or kilograms (kg), depending on
Place the call light within the resident's reach. necessary.
Report any changes in resident to the nurse. Provides nurse with information to assess resident.

Residents who are not able to get out of bed, are weighed on special bed scales.
On some wheelchair scales, the NA will need to subtract the weight of the
wheelchair from a resident's weight. If the wheelchair weight is not listed on the chair, the NA should weigh the empty wheelchair first.

Measuring and recording height of an ambulatory resident - Steps

Identify yourself by name. Identify the resi- dent according to facility policy. Resident has the right to know the identity of the caregiver. Identifying the resident by name shows re- spect and establishes correct identification.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Explain the procedure to the resident. Speak clearly, slowly, and directly. Maintain face-to- face contact whenever possible. Promotes understanding and independence.
Provide for the resident's privacy with a cur- tain, screen, or door.
Make sure the resident is wearing nonskid shoes before walking to the scale.
Help the resident to step onto the scale, fac- ing away from the scale.
Ask the resident to stand straight if possible. Help as needed. Ensures an accurate reading.
Pull up the measuring rod from the back of the scale. Gently lower the rod until it rests flat on the resident's head.
Determine the resident's height.
Help the resident to step off the scale before recording height. Make sure the rod does not hit the resident in the head while doing so.
Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Immediately record the resident's height. Record height immediately so you won't forget. Care plans are made based on your report.
Place the call light within the resident's reach. Allows the resident to communicate with staff as necessary.
Report any changes in resident to the nurse. Provides nurse with information to assess resident.

Height can be measured by using a tape measure and making two pencil marks on the sheet that is underneath the resident. The NA makes a mark at the top of the resident's head and one at his feet and measures the distance between the marks

Restraints and Promoting a Restraint-Free Environment

A restraint is a physical or chemical way to restrict voluntary movement or behavior
Physical restraint examples: vest restraints, belt restraints, wrist/ankle restraints, and mitt restraints.
Chemical restraints are medications used to control a person's mood or behavior.
An enabler is equipment or a device that promotes a resident's safety, comfort, indepen- dence, and mobility.
NAs cannot use a physical restraint unless a doctor has ordered it in the care plan and they have been trained in the restraint's use.

Problems with Restraint Use

Problems Include:
- Pressure injuries
- Pneumonia
- Risk of suffocation
- Reduced blood circulation
- Stress on the heart
- Blood clots
- Incontinence
- Constipation
- Weakened muscles and bones
- Muscle atrophy
- Loss of bone mass
- Poor appetite and malnutrition
- Depression and/or withdrawal
- Sleep disorders
- Loss of dignity
- Loss of independence
- Stress and anxiety
- Increased agitation anxiety, restlessness
- Loss of self-esteem
- Severe injury
- Death

Restraint Alternatives

Restraint alternatives:
- Make sure call lights are within reach.
- Respond to call lights promptly.
- Improve safety measures to prevent acci- dents and falls.
- Improve lighting.
- Ambulate the resident when he is restless.
- Provide activities for those who wander at night.
- Offer training to teach gentle approaches.
If a restraint has been ordered, the NA must place the call light where the resident can easily access it.
A restrained resident must be monitored constantly. He must be checked at least every 15 minutes, following facility policy. At a minimum, the restraint must be released every two hours and the resident must be given proper care:
- Help with elimination needs.
- Check for episodes of incontinence.
- Provide skin care.
- Offer fluids and food.
- Measure vital signs.
- Check the skin for signs of irritation.
- Reposition the resident.

Fluid Balance and Intake and Output (I&O)

Fluid balance is maintaining equal input and output, or taking in and eliminating equal amounts of fluids.
All fluid taken in each day cannot stay in the body. It must be eliminated as output. Output in- cludes urine, feces including diarrhea, and vom- itus. It also includes perspiration, moisture in the air that a person exhales, and wound drainage.
Most residents must have their intake and output, or I&O, monitored and documented.

Conversions

Milliliters (mL) are units of measurement in the met- ric system. One milliliter is 1/1000 of a liter.
Ounces (oz) are converted to milliliters. One ounce equals 30 milliliters. To convert ounces to milliliters, the number of ounces must be multiplied by 30.

$1 oz = 30 mL$
$2 oz = 60 mL$
$3 oz = 90 mL$
$4 oz = 120 mL$
$5 oz = 150 mL$
$6 oz = 180 mL$
$7 oz = 210 mL$
$8 oz = 240 mL$
$1/4 cup = 2 oz = 60 mL$
$1/2 cup = 4 oz = 120 mL$
$1 cup = 8 oz = 240 mL$

Measuring and recording urinary output - Steps

Wash your hands. Provides for infection prevention.
Put on gloves before handling the bedpan/ urinal.
Pour the contents of the bedpan or urinal into the graduate. Do not spill or splash any of the urine.
Place the graduate on a flat surface. Measure the amount of urine at eye level. Keep the container level. Note the amount on paper, converting to mL if necessary.(Follow policy.) A flat surface helps get an accurate reading.
After measuring urine, empty the graduate into the toilet. Do not splash urine. Reduces the risk of contamination.
Rinse the graduate. Pour rinse water into the toilet.
Rinse the bedpan/urinal. Pour rinse water into the toilet. Flush the toilet.
Place graduate and bedpan in the area for cleaning or clean and store according to policy.
Remove and discard your gloves.
Wash your hands before recording output. Provides for infection prevention.
Immediately document the time and amount of urine in the output column. For example: 1545 hours, 200 mL urine. Record amount immediately so you won't forget. Care plans are made based on your report. If you do not document the care, legally it did not happen.
Report any changes in resident to the nurse. Provides nurse with information to assess resident.

Collecting Specimens

A specimen is a sample that is used for analysis in order to try to make a diagnosis.
Types of specimens include:
*