A healthcare professional is assessing a patient's fluid balance. What is the most reliable indicator of fluid status?
- A. Monitor the patient's vital signs.
- B. Check the patient's weight daily.
- C. Measure the patient's intake and output.
- D. Monitor the patient's urine color.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Checking the patient's weight daily is the most reliable indicator of fluid status because weight changes can directly reflect fluid retention or loss. Monitoring vital signs (Choice A) can provide some information but is not as specific as weight changes. Measuring intake and output (Choice C) is crucial but may not always accurately reflect fluid balance. Monitoring urine color (Choice D) can give some insights into hydration levels, but it is not as reliable as daily weight checks for assessing overall fluid status.
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Which intervention is most effective in managing a patient with chronic pain?
- A. Administer opioid medications as prescribed.
- B. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
- C. Encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises.
- D. Recommend complete bed rest to minimize pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention in managing a patient with chronic pain is teaching the patient relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, decrease muscle tension, and improve pain management in patients with chronic pain. Administering opioids as prescribed may have risks of dependence and side effects, making it less favorable as a first-line intervention. Encouraging range of motion exercises can be beneficial, but relaxation techniques directly target stress reduction, a common exacerbating factor in chronic pain. Recommending complete bed rest is generally discouraged in chronic pain management as it can lead to deconditioning and worsen pain over time.
A nurse manager notices a discrepancy in a nurse's narcotics record. What is the appropriate action?
- A. Ask the nurse for clarification about the record.
- B. Report the discrepancy to the pharmacy.
- C. Report the issue to the nurse manager immediately.
- D. Ignore the discrepancy as a clerical error.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The appropriate action when a nurse manager notices a discrepancy in a nurse's narcotics record is to report the discrepancy to the pharmacy. Reporting such discrepancies is crucial to ensure accountability and patient safety. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse manager should not confront the nurse directly without proper investigation. Choice C is incorrect because reporting to the nurse manager may not address the issue effectively. Choice D is incorrect because ignoring the discrepancy can compromise patient safety and violates protocols.
A nurse provides instructions to a client about preventing injury while using crutches. What should the nurse tell the client to avoid?
- A. An abnormal stance
- B. Injury to the nerves
- C. A fall and further injury
- D. Skin breakdown
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Injury to the nerves. Resting the underside of the arm on the crutch pad can injure the nerves. Choice A, an abnormal stance, is not directly related to nerve injury while using crutches. Choice C, a fall and further injury, is a general risk associated with improper crutch use but does not specifically address nerve injury. Choice D, skin breakdown, is a concern related to pressure ulcers but not the primary focus when discussing injury prevention related to crutch use.
Which nursing action will best promote patient safety when administering medications?
- A. Check the patient's wristband before administering medications.
- B. Confirm the patient's allergies prior to administration.
- C. Document the medications immediately after administration.
- D. Prepare medications at the medication cart to minimize distractions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Confirming the patient's allergies before administering medications is crucial for patient safety as it helps prevent adverse reactions. Checking the patient's wristband is important for identification but may not directly impact medication safety. Documenting medications after administration is necessary but does not primarily promote safety during administration. Preparing medications at the medication cart, rather than the nurse's station, is preferred to ensure accuracy and proper medication handling, but it is not directly related to confirming allergies for safety.
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?
- A. Encourage the patient to use incentive spirometry.
- B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed.
- C. Assist the patient with coughing and deep breathing exercises.
- D. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.