Past questions

Used needles go straight into a sharps container, and using a tool keeps your fingers away from the tip. Recapping feels careful, but it is one of the most common ways people get stuck, so it is never done. After the needle is safe, let the nurse know it was found.

The call light is her way to ask for help, so it needs to be within reach wherever she is sitting. Clipping it to the bed when she is in a chair puts it out of reach. Planned rounds are good, but they do not replace her ability to call when she needs you.

Residents have the right to privacy during personal care, even from other staff. Being a coworker does not make it okay to see a resident uncovered. Cover the resident first, then kindly ask the coworker to wait.

When putting a gown on, the IV bag and tubing go through the sleeve first, then the arm with the IV. When taking a gown off, it is the reverse: the arm without the IV comes out first. Think of it as the IV arm goes in first and comes out last. Never disconnect the IV yourself.

A change of several pounds in one day is a real change, often from fluid, and the nurse needs to know. Weighing the same way each day is exactly what makes a change like this meaningful. A scale that reads zero first is the right setup, not a problem.

Active listening starts with giving the person your attention: stop the task, face them, and look at them. Nodding while you keep working sends the message that the task matters more. A few focused minutes often save time later.

Footrests are swung aside or lifted so her feet can be flat on the floor before she stands. Leaving them down is a trip hazard, and standing on them can tip the chair forward. The gait belt stays on for the whole transfer.

NPO means nothing at all by mouth, including juice and usually water, unless the nurse says otherwise. Even a little can delay or cancel a test. Explain kindly and ask the nurse when he can eat.

Redness and warmth around a nail can be a sign of infection, which can become serious quickly for someone with diabetes. Thick nails and mild dryness are common, though cracks or sores should be reported too. Checking feet carefully during care helps catch problems early.

Your job during a seizure is to keep her from getting hurt and get help coming. Holding someone down can cause injuries, and nothing ever goes in the mouth. Stay with her, notice how long it lasts, and follow the nurse's lead and your facility's procedure.