Basic Nursing Skills Exam Guide 2025
Basic Nursing Skills Exam Guide 2025
Communicable diseases are those that can be transmitted from one individual to another through various means such as air, water, or direct contact. In contrast, non-communicable diseases cannot be transmitted and are often associated with factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures .
The five rights of drug administration include: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. These rights are fundamental in nursing practice to ensure patient safety, prevent medication errors, and enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions by guaranteeing that medications are administered correctly and appropriately .
Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings by removing or killing microorganisms on the hands. The five moments for hand hygiene are before touching a patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure/risk, after touching a patient, and after touching patient surroundings .
Proper patient positioning in the theater is significant as it facilitates optimal access to the surgical site, improves surgical efficiency, and minimizes the risk of complications such as pressure sores and nerve damage. It also enhances respiratory and circulatory function during anesthesia by ensuring airway patency and preventing pooling of blood .
The four processes involved in patient physical examination are: 1) Inspection - visually examining the patient for any signs of disease; 2) Palpation - using hands to feel body parts for abnormalities; 3) Percussion - tapping on specific areas to assess underlying structures; 4) Auscultation - listening to the sounds made by internal organs, often with a stethoscope, to identify irregularities .
Assessing a patient’s vital signs before a surgical procedure is crucial for several reasons: 1) It establishes a baseline to identify any pre-existing conditions that may require special attention during surgery; 2) It helps in identifying any immediate health risks that could complicate the procedure like hypertension or irregular pulse; 3) It ensures that the patient is in a stable condition to undergo anesthesia, thus minimizing perioperative risks .
Internal hemorrhage refers to bleeding that occurs inside the body and is not visible, while external hemorrhage is visible bleeding from a body opening or surface wound. Four signs and symptoms of hemorrhage include: 1) Rapid heart rate; 2) Low blood pressure; 3) Cool, clammy skin; and 4) Pallor or a feeling of faintness, which can help medical personnel identify the presence of hemorrhage .
The chain of infection includes the following links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. It is interrupted by various methods including isolating infected patients (interrupting mode of transmission), proper sanitation (eliminating reservoirs), personal protective equipment (blocking portals of entry and exit), and vaccinations (reducing susceptibility of the host).
Four complications of myocardial infarction include: 1) Heart failure, as damaged heart tissue affects pumping efficiency; 2) Arrhythmias, due to disrupted electrical signals in damaged heart areas; 3) Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardial sac; and 4) Cardiogenic shock, a severe drop in blood pressure affecting organ perfusion. These complications can significantly impact patient health by decreasing quality of life and increasing mortality risk if not properly managed .
PPE functions primarily to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents, hazardous materials, and cross-contamination. It includes items like gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. Evaluating its function highlights its role in preserving the safety and health of workers and patients by acting as a barrier against infectious pathogens and bodily fluids during patient care and procedures .