NCLEX Essential Medical Procedures Quiz

Signs of air embolism include coughing, being pale, and experiencing difficulty breathing. To manage a patient with a central venous catheter, positioning them on their left side with the head of the bed lowered can help prevent air embolism.

Auscultation landmarks for cardiac sounds are specific areas on the chest where different cardiac sounds are best heard. It is important to know these landmarks for accurate assessment of heart sounds.

Paracentesis is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity, not for other medical purposes mentioned in the incorrect answers.

Autologous blood refers to blood obtained from the patient themselves, as opposed to blood obtained from external sources.

The correct answer is 5 weeks before surgery in order to ensure proper recovery time and reduce risk of complications during the surgery.

The bulge test is used to confirm the presence of fluid in the knees by observing for a bulge on either side of the patella when the legs are extended.

Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicates a leak, which can lead to air or fluid entering the pleural space compromising the drainage system.

TPN with high glucose content can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, therefore monitoring for hyperglycemia is essential, especially in the first 24 hours of administration.

A Salem sump pump is a medical device used to remove fluids and air from a patient's airway. It is not intended for draining water, pumping air, or heating water.

Recording the chief complaint with the patient's own words helps ensure accurate communication and understanding of the patient's concerns.

A myelogram is a medical imaging test where dye is used to visualize the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Patients are asked about allergies to ensure they do not have a reaction to the dye.

During a wet-to-dry dressing change, it is important to remove the old dressing dry so that debris and necrotic tissue are effectively removed. Adding sterile saline is not recommended as it can disrupt the wound healing process.

After a total hip replacement surgery, it is important to follow specific precautions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Placing a pillow between the legs and keeping heels off the bed are common measures to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis and pressure sores respectively. Sleeping on the operated side, avoiding physical therapy/exercises, and not taking prescribed pain medications are not recommended as they can hinder the recovery process and increase the risk of complications.

When a patient undergoes spinal anesthesia, hypotension is a common side effect due to vasodilation. Monitoring blood pressure closely and assessing for hypotension is crucial to prevent complications.

A trochanter roll should be placed along the lateral aspect of the hip to the mid-thigh to prevent external rotation of the hip joint.

Enteral feeding rates are calculated based on the patient's specific nutritional needs and the type of formula being used. The appropriate rate of 300 ml of formula per 45 min allows for a steady infusion of nutrients without overwhelming the digestive system.

A bone scan is a non-invasive procedure that helps detect certain conditions like arthritis, cancer, infections, or fractures. It is painless, but the process can take up to an hour, and it is recommended to stay hydrated throughout the scan.

When delegating tasks to nursing assistants, it is important to assign standard, unchanging procedures that do not require specialized training or decision-making beyond the assistant's scope of practice.

LVNs can delegate tasks such as sterile dressing changes to unlicensed assistive personnel, but they are not authorized to delegate tasks such as administering medication, interpreting lab results, or developing care plans.

Delegation in nursing involves the assessment of patient needs, appropriately assigning tasks, and educating others to ensure safe and effective care delivery.

Conversion reaction involves the conversion of emotional distress or anxiety into physical symptoms.

Doing lower GI series first helps prevent interference of barium from upper GI series with the lower GI series test results.

Cardiac catherization is a procedure used to assess the blood flow and pressure in the heart chambers and large vessels for diagnostic and treatment purposes. It is not used to measure blood pressure, diagnose heart disease, or perform heart transplants.

The Credé maneuver is a medical technique used in urology to assist with bladder control by manually pressing on the bladder to help empty it completely.

Lying prone (on abdomen) helps to prevent hip flexion contracture by stretching the hip flexor muscles. This position helps maintain extension at the hip joint, preventing the muscles from becoming tight and short.

Before undergoing a PET scan, it is important to empty your bladder to ensure accurate results. Eating a heavy meal can interfere with the scan, wearing metal jewelry can cause artifacts in the images, and drinking a sugary beverage can affect the results as well.