A nurse who receives a patient in the operative suite prior to the actual surgery is in charge of the patient's care. Which of the following is NOT a task related to the nurse's intraoperative care?
- A. Go over the surgical procedure with the patient before he or she is anesthetized
- B. Strictly adhere to asepsis during all intraoperative procedures
- C. Provide emotional support to the patient and their family
- D. Monitor the patient's physical status
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Going over the surgical procedure with the patient is typically done preoperatively, not intraoperatively. Intraoperative tasks of a nurse involve strictly adhering to asepsis during procedures, monitoring the patient's physical status, and providing emotional support to the patient and their family during the surgery. Choices B, C, and D are all tasks that are directly related to the nurse's responsibilities during the intraoperative phase of care.
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Which of the following is a critical step in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
- A. Performing oral care with chlorhexidine
- B. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees
- C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
- D. Changing the ventilator circuit daily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is a critical step in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) because it helps reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a significant factor in the development of VAP. Elevating the head of the bed enhances pulmonary hygiene, decreases the risk of microaspiration, and promotes better lung function. Performing oral care with chlorhexidine is essential for oral hygiene but is not specifically aimed at preventing VAP. Administering prophylactic antibiotics without a clear indication can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not a recommended routine practice to prevent VAP. Changing the ventilator circuit daily is essential for infection control but is not the most critical step in preventing VAP.
What is the most effective way to communicate with a patient who has expressive aphasia?
- A. Asking yes or no questions
- B. Encouraging the patient to write responses
- C. Using picture boards or communication cards
- D. Speaking slowly and clearly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most effective way to communicate with a patient who has expressive aphasia is by using picture boards or communication cards. These tools allow patients to convey their needs and responses more effectively when they struggle to speak. Using picture boards or communication cards (Choice C) is preferred as it provides a visual aid to support communication. Asking yes or no questions (Choice A) may limit the patient's ability to express themselves fully. Encouraging the patient to write responses (Choice B) may not be suitable if the patient also has difficulty writing due to the aphasia. While speaking slowly and clearly (Choice D) is important, it may not be sufficient to overcome the communication challenges faced by patients with expressive aphasia.
Prior to giving digoxin, the PN assesses that a 2-month-old infant's heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Based on this finding, what action should the PN take?
- A. Withhold the medication and notify the charge nurse
- B. Give the medication and document the heart rate
- C. Withhold the medication until the next scheduled dose
- D. Request the charge nurse to administer the medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is within the normal range for a 2-month-old infant. Therefore, it is safe to administer the digoxin and document the heart rate as part of routine care. Choice A is incorrect as withholding the medication is not necessary since the heart rate is normal. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to delay the administration until the next scheduled dose when the heart rate is within the normal range. Choice D is incorrect as the primary nurse is not needed to administer the medication since the heart rate is normal and falls within the safe range for administration.
A client has a prescription for a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit for pain management during the postoperative period following a lumbar laminectomy. Which information should the PN reinforce about the action of the adjuvant pain modality?
- A. The discharge of electricity will distract the client's focus from the pain.
- B. An infusion of medication into the spinal canal will block pain perception.
- C. Pain perception in the cerebral cortex is dulled by the unit's discharge of an electrical stimulus.
- D. A mild electrical stimulus on the skin surface closes the gates of nerve conduction for severe pain.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The TENS unit works by providing a mild electrical stimulus to the skin, which helps to 'close the gate' on pain signals, reducing the perception of pain. Choice A is incorrect because distraction is not the primary mechanism of action for TENS. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a different method of pain management involving medication infusion into the spinal canal. Choice C is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the location of pain perception modulation by the TENS unit.
When caring for a patient with a fresh tracheostomy, what is the nurse's first priority?
- A. Providing humidified oxygen
- B. Ensuring the tracheostomy ties are secure
- C. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube as needed
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensuring the tracheostomy ties are secure. This is the nurse's first priority because it is critical to prevent accidental decannulation, which could compromise the patient's airway. Providing humidified oxygen, suctioning the tracheostomy tube, and monitoring for signs of infection are important aspects of care but ensuring the tracheostomy ties' security takes precedence to maintain the patient's airway.