700+ Staff Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Pre-operative care includes preparing the patient physically and mentally for the upcoming procedure.

• Assessing the patient's medical history and current health status

• Ensuring the patient has fasted for the appropriate amount of time

• Administering pre-operative medications as ordered by the physician

• Explaining the procedure and answering any questions the patient may have

• Ensuring the patient has signed the necessary consent forms

• Preparing the surgical site by cleaning and steri...read more

There are 6 steps in the hand washing technique.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water

• Apply soap and lather well

• Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds

• Rinse well under running water

• Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry

• Use a towel to turn off the faucet

Medicine management in hospitals involves various steps to ensure safe and effective administration of medications.

• The medication order should be verified by a licensed healthcare provider.

• The medication should be properly labeled and stored in a secure location.

• The medication should be administered by a licensed healthcare provider following the five rights of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.

• Documentation of...read more

Normal range of sodium in blood is 135-145 mEq/L.

• Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body.

• Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, kidney problems, or hormonal imbalances.

• Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, and confusion.

• High sodium levels (hypernatremia) can cause symptoms like thirst, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.

To learn a procedure I dislike, I would focus on structured learning, seek guidance, and practice diligently to build confidence.

• Identify the specific procedure and break it down into manageable steps.

• Utilize resources like textbooks, online tutorials, or videos to understand the procedure better.

• Seek mentorship from experienced colleagues who can provide guidance and support.

• Practice the procedure in a controlled environment, such as simulations or under supervision.

• Reflect ...read more

BLS and ACLS are important in hospitals for emergency situations and to ensure patient safety.

• BLS (Basic Life Support) is important for providing immediate care to patients experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or other life-threatening emergencies.

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) is important for managing more complex cardiac emergencies, such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and strokes.

• Having staff trained in BLS and ACLS can improve patient outcomes and red...read more

IV blood transfusions should not be administered via syringe due to safety and efficacy concerns.

• Blood transfusions require specific protocols to ensure safety and compatibility.

• Using a syringe can lead to hemolysis of red blood cells due to high pressure.

• Blood should be transfused using a blood administration set with a filter to remove clots.

• Example: In emergencies, blood can be transfused via a large-bore IV cannula, not a syringe.

As a nurse, I can handle an emergency patient by remaining calm, assessing the situation quickly, prioritizing care, and communicating effectively with the healthcare team.

• Remain calm and composed to provide a sense of stability for the patient and other staff members

• Quickly assess the patient's condition and prioritize care based on the severity of their injuries or illness

• Initiate necessary interventions such as CPR, administering medications, or stabilizing vital signs

• Comm...read more

Different types of instruments used in general and orthopedic surgery

• General surgery instruments include scalpels, forceps, retractors, scissors, and clamps

• Orthopedic surgery instruments include bone saws, drills, hammers, chisels, and retractors

• Both types of surgery may also use suction devices, electrocautery tools, and laparoscopic instruments

• Specialized instruments may be used for specific procedures, such as endoscopes for minimally invasive surgeries

Nurses control infection by following strict protocols and implementing preventive measures.

• Adhering to hand hygiene practices

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Implementing proper waste disposal procedures

• Maintaining a clean and sanitized environment

• Educating patients and their families about infection control measures

• Monitoring and reporting any signs of infection

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop infection control strategies

The first thing to assess in an unconscious patient is their airway.

• Check for any obstructions in the airway

• Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin

• Listen for any abnormal breathing sounds

• Look for chest rise and fall

• Assess for any signs of respiratory distress

Hypotension is low blood pressure. Normal range is 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.

• Hypotension is when the blood pressure is lower than normal

• Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, and fatigue

• Causes include dehydration, medication side effects, and heart problems

• Normal range is 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg

NABH accreditation ensures quality healthcare services and patient safety in hospitals.

• NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) is a quality assurance program for hospitals.

• It ensures that hospitals follow standard protocols and guidelines for patient care and safety.

• NABH accreditation also helps hospitals to improve their processes and systems, leading to better patient outcomes.

• It is important for hospitals to have NABH accreditation as it bu...read more

Vitals are essential signs of a person's body functions. Intubation is the insertion of a tube into the airway. Ambu bag is used for manual ventilation. Defib is a device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart. Spo2 measures oxygen saturation. Normal levels of hb, sodium, and potassium vary. Potassium correction is given based on the patient's potassium level.

• Vitals are measurements of a person's body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and r...read more

Heart block is a condition where the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are delayed or blocked.

• There are three types of heart block: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree

• First-degree heart block is the mildest form and usually does not require treatment

• Second-degree heart block can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and chest pain

• Third-degree heart block is the most severe form and can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention

In cases of increased blood pressure, medications can be administered via injection or infusion to manage the condition effectively.

• Antihypertensive medications like Labetalol can be given via IV injection.

• Nitroglycerin infusion is used for acute hypertension management.

• Enalaprilat can be administered as an injection for rapid blood pressure control.

• Continuous infusion of Nicardipine is effective for severe hypertension.

CPR should not be given in certain cases

• CPR should not be given in cases of irreversible death

• CPR should not be given in cases where a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is in place

• CPR should not be given in cases where the patient has a terminal illness and has expressed a wish to die peacefully

• CPR should not be given in cases where the patient has a poor quality of life and the benefits of resuscitation are unlikely to outweigh the harms

Emergency codes are used in NABH hospitals to alert staff of various emergencies. They are announced through a code system.

• Emergency codes are used to alert staff of various emergencies such as fire, bomb threat, cardiac arrest, etc.

• Each emergency has a specific code assigned to it, such as Code Red for fire and Code Blue for cardiac arrest.

• The codes are announced through a code system, usually over the hospital intercom or pager system.

• Staff members are trained to respond qu...read more

In catheterization, normal saline (NS) is commonly used for irrigation, typically at a concentration of 0.9%.

• Normal saline (NS) is isotonic and helps maintain fluid balance during catheterization.

• NS is often used to flush catheters to prevent blockage.

• Digital water is less commonly used; NS is preferred for its compatibility with body fluids.

• In some cases, sterile water may be used, but NS is the standard.

If a patient's blood pressure suddenly drops and they become unconscious, a nurse should take immediate action to stabilize the patient.

• Assess the patient's vital signs and check for a pulse

• Administer oxygen if necessary

• Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient has no pulse

• Administer intravenous fluids to increase blood volume

• Notify the healthcare team and request assistance

• Monitor the patient closely and document all interventions and responses

Assess the baby's temperature and other symptoms, provide appropriate treatment and monitor the baby's condition.

• Assess the baby's temperature and other vital signs

• Ask the parents about the baby's medical history and any recent illnesses

• Provide appropriate treatment such as medication to reduce fever

• Monitor the baby's condition and provide supportive care as needed

• Educate the parents on how to care for the baby at home and when to seek medical attention

When a patient is hypoglycemic, a staff nurse should take immediate action to raise their blood sugar levels.

• Administering glucose orally or intravenously

• Monitoring the patient's blood sugar levels regularly

• Assessing the patient's symptoms and providing appropriate care

• Educating the patient and their family about hypoglycemia prevention and management

• Collaborating with the healthcare team to adjust the patient's medication or diet if necessary

Proteinuria is the presence of excess protein in the urine, indicating potential kidney damage or dysfunction.

• Proteinuria is a condition where abnormal amounts of protein are found in the urine.

• It is often a sign of kidney disease or damage.

• Proteinuria can be detected through a urine test called a urinalysis.

• Common causes of proteinuria include diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney infections.

• Treatment for proteinuria depends on the underlying cause and may involve medica...read more

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a life-saving technique used in emergency situations to restore breathing and circulation.

• CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths

• The ratio of compressions to breaths is typically 30:2

• The goal of CPR is to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs

• CPR should be performed until emergency medical services arrive or the person shows signs of life

• CPR can be performed on adults, children, and infa...read more

A pediatric cannula tray set typically includes various equipment for pediatric cannulation procedures.

• Pediatric cannula tray sets usually include a range of cannulas in different sizes.

• They may also contain syringes and needles for medication administration.

• Other equipment commonly found in pediatric cannula tray sets include IV catheters, extension sets, and IV start kits.

• Additional items may include alcohol swabs, adhesive dressings, and gloves for infection control.

• Some t...read more

The daily fluid requirements of a newborn child vary depending on their weight and age.

• A newborn weighing 2.5 kg requires approximately 60-70 ml/kg/day of fluids.

• For the first 3 days of life, a newborn requires around 60 ml/kg/day of fluids.

• From day 4 to day 7, the fluid requirement increases to around 80 ml/kg/day.

• After the first week of life, the fluid requirement decreases to around 150 ml/kg/day.

• Breast milk or formula milk is the primary source of fluids for newborns.

Different types of insulin are used for diabetes management and can be administered at various sites.

• Rapid-acting insulin: injected before meals, given in abdomen, upper arm, thigh

• Short-acting insulin: injected before meals, given in abdomen, upper arm, thigh

• Intermediate-acting insulin: injected twice daily, given in abdomen, upper arm, thigh

• Long-acting insulin: injected once or twice daily, given in abdomen, upper arm, thigh

• Ultra-long-acting insulin: injected once daily, giv...read more