A nurse fails to irrigate a feeding tube as ordered, resulting in harm to the patient. This nurse could be found guilty of:
- A. malpractice
- B. Negligence
- C. Harm to the patient
- D. Failure to follow the nurse practice act
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Negligence refers to the failure to perform a duty of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In this scenario, the nurse failed to perform an ordered irrigation of a feeding tube, which is a standard nursing duty. This failure to act according to the orders resulted in harm to the patient, indicating negligence on the part of the nurse. Malpractice is a specific type of negligence that occurs when a professional fails to provide the standard level of care, so in this case, it falls under the broader category of negligence. Harm to the patient is the consequence of the nurse's negligence, and failure to follow the nurse practice act may be a contributing factor to the negligence, but the primary issue is the failure to provide proper care - which is negligence.
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A patient with a history of myocardial infarction is prescribed atorvastatin for lipid-lowering therapy. Which parameter should the nurse monitor closely during atorvastatin therapy?
- A. Serum potassium levels
- B. Liver function tests
- C. Blood glucose levels
- D. Serum sodium levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atorvastatin is a medication commonly used for lipid-lowering therapy to reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. However, one of the potential side effects of statin medications such as atorvastatin is liver injury. Therefore, monitoring liver function tests, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, is crucial during atorvastatin therapy.
Context of a verbal communication is the:
- A. Use of understandable
- B. Use of clear sentences
- C. Use of literal words
- D. Environment where communication occurs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The context of a verbal communication is the environment or situation in which the communication takes place. It includes factors such as the physical setting, the social or cultural background, the relationship between the speaker and the listener, and any other relevant conditions that may impact the understanding of the message. Understanding the context is essential for effective communication as it helps to interpret the meaning behind the words spoken and ensures that the message is appropriately received.
Collecting data and monitoring the health status of the population defines which of the core public health functions?
- A. Quality assurance
- B. Policy development
- C. Assessment
- D. Health promotion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The core public health function of assessment involves systematic data collection on the population's health status, monitoring changes in health, and making information available to the public. In this context, collecting data and monitoring the health status of the population directly aligns with the assessment function of public health. Quality assurance focuses on ensuring that health services meet established standards, policy development involves creating policies to address public health issues, and health promotion involves empowering individuals to improve their health. While these functions are also essential in public health, the act of collecting data and monitoring health status specifically falls under the assessment core function.
A patient presents with irritability, muscle weakness, tremors, and weight loss despite increased appetite. Laboratory tests reveal elevated serum thyroid hormone levels and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
- A. Hyperthyroidism
- B. Hypothyroidism
- C. Diabetes mellitus
- D. Cushing's syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The symptoms of irritability, muscle weakness, tremors, weight loss despite increased appetite, along with elevated serum thyroid hormone levels and suppressed TSH levels, are indicative of hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone, leading to an overactive metabolism. This results in symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, irritability, and muscle weakness. The elevated levels of thyroid hormone are detected in the laboratory tests, along with low TSH levels due to negative feedback regulation. Therefore, the most likely endocrine disorder responsible for these symptoms is hyperthyroidism.
A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing respiratory distress. Which nursing intervention is the priority for managing the patient's respiratory status?
- A. Administering bronchodilators
- B. Positioning the patient in high Fowler's position
- C. Performing chest physiotherapy
- D. Administering oxygen therapy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering oxygen therapy is the priority nursing intervention for managing a patient with COPD experiencing respiratory distress. In COPD, the patient's lungs are less efficient at oxygen exchange, leading to hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation in the body and alleviates respiratory distress in these patients. Positioning the patient in high Fowler's position can also help improve lung expansion, but providing supplemental oxygen takes precedence in addressing the underlying hypoxemia. Administering bronchodilators and performing chest physiotherapy aim to manage airway obstruction and promote airway clearance, but ensuring the patient has adequate oxygenation is crucial in the immediate management of respiratory distress in COPD.