A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath and a cough that produces thick, green sputum. Which of the following conditions should the nurse be most concerned about?
- A. Asthma.
- B. Bronchitis.
- C. Pneumonia.
- D. Pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pneumonia. The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and cough with thick, green sputum suggest an acute infection in the lungs. Pneumonia is characterized by inflammation and infection of the lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as productive cough, shortness of breath, and sputum production. It is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.
A: Asthma typically presents with wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath triggered by certain stimuli, but not usually with thick, green sputum.
B: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by cough with clear or slightly discolored sputum, not typically thick and green.
D: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the arteries of the lungs, causing sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, but not usually associated with green sputum production.
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While working in the surgical unit, the nurse notices that a patient speaks a language that she cannot understanThe nurse is aware that the hospital has a number of postoperative instructions, translated videos, and brochures in this patient's language, in addition to having a translator on staff. These are all examples of:
- A. language services that are available to all admitted patients.
- B. the standards for cultural and linguistically appropriate services.
- C. ways of addressing diverse communication needs.
- D. efforts to improve patient satisfaction and care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: the standards for cultural and linguistically appropriate services. The rationale is as follows:
1. Cultural and linguistically appropriate services ensure that patients receive care that is respectful of and responsive to their cultural and linguistic needs.
2. Having translated materials and a translator on staff aligns with these standards by providing access to healthcare information in the patient's language.
3. By offering postoperative instructions and resources in the patient's language, the hospital is promoting effective communication and understanding.
4. These services aim to reduce language barriers, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of care.
Which critical thinking skill helps the nurse recognize relationships among data?
- A. Validation.
- B. Clustering-related cues.
- C. Identifying gaps in data.
- D. Distinguishing relevant from irrelevant.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clustering-related cues. This critical thinking skill helps the nurse recognize relationships among data by grouping related information together. This aids in identifying patterns, connections, and trends within the data, leading to a better understanding of the situation. Validation (A) involves confirming the accuracy of data, not necessarily recognizing relationships. Identifying gaps in data (C) focuses on missing information rather than relationships among existing data. Distinguishing relevant from irrelevant (D) is important but does not directly address recognizing relationships among data. In summary, clustering-related cues (B) is the most relevant skill for recognizing relationships among data in critical thinking.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a hip replacement. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions to prevent complications?
- A. Administering pain medication as needed.
- B. Encouraging early ambulation and use of compression stockings.
- C. Providing nutritional support and supplements.
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation and use of compression stockings. This intervention is crucial post-hip replacement to prevent complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Early ambulation helps prevent blood clots by promoting circulation, and compression stockings further aid in preventing deep vein thrombosis. Pain medication (A) is important but not the priority in preventing complications. Providing nutritional support (C) is also important but does not directly prevent post-operative complications. Monitoring for signs of infection (D) is essential but not as immediate as promoting early ambulation to prevent complications.
The nurse is obtaining a history from a 30-year-old male patient and is concerned about the adequacy of his health promotion activities. Which one of the following questions would be appropriate in this situation?
- A. "Do you perform testicular self-examinations?"
- B. "Have you ever noticed any pain in your testicles?"
- C. "Have you had any problems with passing urine?"
- D. "Do you have any history of sexually transmitted infection?"
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Do you perform testicular self-examinations?" This question is appropriate as it addresses health promotion activities specific to the patient's age and gender, promoting early detection of testicular cancer.
Explanation:
1. Testicular self-examination is a key health promotion activity for men in their 20s and 30s.
2. It encourages self-awareness and early detection of abnormalities in the testicles.
3. Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, making this question relevant.
4. Options B, C, and D are not directly related to health promotion activities for a 30-year-old male.
The nurse is assessing a patient's skin during an office visit. What is the best technique to use to best assess skin temperature?
- A. Palpation
- B. Auscultation
- C. Inspection
- D. Use of a thermometer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palpation. Palpation involves using the hands to touch and feel the skin to assess its temperature accurately. This technique allows the nurse to detect variations in temperature more effectively compared to visual inspection (Choice C) or listening with a stethoscope (Choice B). Using a thermometer (Choice D) may also provide a precise measurement, but palpation allows for a more comprehensive assessment of skin temperature by considering factors such as localized warmth or coolness.