ATI LPN
Patient Care Technician Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the purpose of using a footboard at the foot of the bed for a patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A footboard maintains proper alignment of the legs and feet by preventing foot drop where toes point downward from prolonged bed rest preserving dorsiflexion and reducing contracture risk. Comfort might improve indirectly, but alignment is the goal. Restricting movement isn't accurate it prevents deformity, not mobility itself. Decoration is irrelevant; it's functional. Nurses position it to support the soles, countering gravity's pull on immobile patients, ensuring long-term musculoskeletal health and aiding future ambulation.
Question 2 of 5
What is the purpose of using a gait belt when assisting a patient with walking?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A gait belt provides stability and support during ambulation by giving the nurse a secure grip to steady or catch a patient, reducing fall risk without limiting steps. Restricting movement isn't the goal it aids, not hinders, walking. Encouraging unassisted walking defeats its purpose; it's for support. Lifting off the ground misuses it belts assist, not hoist. Nurses fasten it snugly around the waist, using it to guide safely, enhancing mobility confidence in weak or unsteady patients.
Question 3 of 5
How can a nurse promote patient safety when using a bedside commode?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ensuring the bedside commode is properly positioned and stable promotes safety by preventing tipping or falls, critical for patients with limited mobility. Out-of-reach placement hinders access, risking unsafe attempts. Unassisted use invites accidents if strength fails. A filled bucket destabilizes and spills, creating hazards. Nurses place it close, lock wheels, and assist as needed, guaranteeing a secure setup for toileting, blending accessibility with protection in daily care.
Question 4 of 5
What is the primary purpose of using a bed cradle for a patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A bed cradle keeps linens off a patient's body, preventing pressure or irritation on sensitive areas like burns or wounds, enhancing comfort and healing. Aesthetics aren't its purpose it's functional. Preventing movement isn't the goal; it aids, not restricts, care. Limiting bed access misinterprets it protects within the bed. Nurses position it over legs or torso, ensuring airflow and reducing friction, a practical comfort tool for specific conditions.
Question 5 of 5
How can a nurse assist a patient with impaired mobility to maintain proper foot hygiene?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Providing assistance with foot care as needed ensures proper hygiene for a mobility-impaired patient by washing and inspecting feet, preventing infections or sores tailored to their limits. Weekly care risks buildup daily or as soiled is better. Ignoring hygiene invites discomfort from neglect, not care. Lotion between toes fosters fungal growth drying is key. Nurses soak, clean, and dry gently, supporting circulation and health, a critical detail in immobility care.