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Mr. C is an older patient with a known history of peripheral vascular disease. The nurse places a heating pad directly on the patient's lower leg to relieve muscle spasms. The heating pad causes a burn, the area becomes infected, and the patient eventually must have a skin graft. This is an example of which of the following?
- A. Malpractice
- B. Vicarious liability
- C. Assault
- D. Negligence
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Negligence refers to the failure to take proper care in doing something. In this scenario, the nurse failed to exercise the standard of care expected in placing a heating pad directly on Mr. C's lower leg, knowing his history of peripheral vascular disease. This failure led to a burn and subsequent infection that required a skin graft for treatment. The actions of the nurse were negligent as they did not meet the expected standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This situation does not fit the definition of assault, malpractice, or vicarious liability, making negligence the most appropriate choice.
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A patient presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and signs of hypotension. An echocardiogram reveals right ventricular dilation and hypokinesis. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Pericardial effusion
- C. Acute myocardial infarction
- D. Aortic dissection
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presentation of chest pain, dyspnea, hypotension, right ventricular dilation, and hypokinesis on echocardiogram is highly suggestive of a pulmonary embolism. In pulmonary embolism, a blood clot obstructs the pulmonary artery or one of its branches, leading to increased pressure in the right ventricle, which can cause right ventricular dilation and dysfunction. This results in the classic signs of right heart strain on echocardiogram. The patient may also present with symptoms of acute right heart failure, such as chest pain, dyspnea, and signs of hypotension. It is crucial to consider pulmonary embolism as a potential cause of these symptoms, given the high morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.
A postpartum client presents with calf pain, swelling, and warmth. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Applying a warm compress to the affected calf
- B. Encouraging ambulation to promote circulation
- C. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately
- D. Administering a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain relief
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this scenario is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. The client's presentation of calf pain, swelling, and warmth could be indicative of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the healthcare provider. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and if left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism. Therefore, timely communication with the healthcare provider is critical to ensure that the client receives the appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment to address the potential DVT. Applying warm compresses, encouraging ambulation, or administering NSAIDs would not be the first-line interventions for a suspected DVT and may even worsen the condition.
When caring for patients with hyperbilirubinemia, the nursing care plan should focus on the following, EXCEPT_________.
- A. informing appropriately the significant others
- B. preventing injury
- C. maintaining physiological homeostasis with bilirubin levels increasing
- D. preventing complications.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When caring for patients with hyperbilirubinemia, the nursing care plan should focus on informing the significant others, preventing injury, and preventing complications. The primary goal in managing hyperbilirubinemia is to prevent complications associated with high bilirubin levels, such as kernicterus. Therefore, maintaining physiological homeostasis with bilirubin levels increasing would not be appropriate and should not be the focus of the nursing care plan. It is crucial to monitor and manage bilirubin levels to prevent adverse outcomes rather than allowing them to increase.
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the hospital with acute exacerbation and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Which of the following ventilator settings is most appropriate for minimizing the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in this patient?
- A. Low tidal volume and high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
- B. High tidal volume and low respiratory rate
- C. Spontaneous breathing mode with pressure support ventilation (PSV)
- D. Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with COPD are at increased risk for developing ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) due to their underlying lung pathology. Using a low tidal volume strategy (6-8 ml/kg predicted body weight) has been shown to reduce the risk of VILI in these patients. Additionally, applying high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) helps to recruit collapsed alveoli, improve oxygenation, and decrease the risk of barotrauma by keeping the alveoli open throughout the respiratory cycle. Therefore, the most appropriate ventilator settings to minimize the risk of VILI in a COPD patient with acute exacerbation and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation would be low tidal volume and high PEEP.
A patient receiving palliative care for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiences chronic cough and excessive sputum production. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?
- A. Administer bronchodilator medications to improve airway clearance.
- B. Encourage the patient to practice controlled coughing techniques.
- C. Prescribe mucolytic medications to thin respiratory secretions.
- D. Refer the patient to a respiratory therapist for breathing exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to practice controlled coughing techniques would be the most appropriate intervention to address the symptoms of chronic cough and excessive sputum production in a patient with end-stage COPD receiving palliative care. Controlled coughing techniques can help the patient effectively clear respiratory secretions and improve airway clearance without the need for additional medications or interventions. This approach focuses on optimizing the patient's ability to manage their symptoms and maintain comfort, which aligns with the goals of palliative care. Administering bronchodilator medications, prescribing mucolytic medications, or referring the patient to a respiratory therapist for breathing exercises may have limited effectiveness in this advanced stage of the disease, and controlled coughing techniques would be a more practical and patient-centered approach to symptom management.