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The nurse is teaching a patient with allergic rhinitis about the safe and effective use of his medications. What would be the most essential information to give this patient about preventing possible drug interactions?
- A. Prescription medications can be safely supplemented with OTC medications.
- B. Use only one pharmacy so the pharmacist can check drug interactions.
- C. Read drug labels carefully before taking OTC medications.
- D. Consult the Internet before selecting an OTC medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patient education is essential when assisting the patient in the use of all medications. To prevent possible drug interactions, the patient is cautioned to read drug labels before taking any OTC medications. Some Web sites are reliable and valid information sources, but this is not always the case. Patients do not necessarily need to limit themselves to one pharmacy, though checking for potential interactions is important. Not all OTC medications are safe additions to prescription medication regimens.
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The nurse is performing preoperative teaching with a patient who has cancer of the larynx. After completing patient teaching, what would be most important for the nurse to do?
- A. Give the patient his or her cell phone number.
- B. Refer the patient to a social worker or psychologist.
- C. Provide the patient with audiovisual materials about the surgery.
- D. Reassure the patient and family that everything will be alright.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Informational materials (written and audiovisual) about the surgery are given to the patient and family for review and reinforcement. The nurse never gives personal contact information to the patient. Nothing in the scenario indicates that a referral to a social worker or psychologist is necessary. False reassurance must always be avoided.
The nurse is providing patient teaching to a young mother who has brought her 3-month-old infant to the clinic for a well-baby checkup. What action should the nurse recommend to the woman to prevent the transmission of organisms to her infant during the cold season?
- A. Take preventative antibiotics, as ordered.
- B. Gargle with warm salt water regularly.
- C. Dress herself and her infant warmly.
- D. Wash her hands frequently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Handwashing remains the most effective preventive measure to reduce the transmission of organisms. Taking prescribed antibiotics, using warm salt-water gargles, and dressing warmly do not suppress transmission. Antibiotics are not prescribed for a cold.
The nurse is explaining the safe and effective administration of nasal spray to a patient with seasonal allergies. What information is most important to include in this teaching?
- A. Finish the bottle of nasal spray to clear the infection effectively.
- B. Nasal spray can only be shared between immediate family members.
- C. Nasal spray should be administered in a prone position.
- D. Overuse of nasal spray may cause rebound congestion.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The use of topical decongestants is controversial because of the potential for a rebound effect. The patient should hold his or her head back for maximal distribution of the spray. Only the patient should use the bottle.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 2 following a total laryngectomy for supraglottic cancer. The nurse should prioritize what assessment?
- A. Assessment of body image
- B. Assessment of jugular venous pressure
- C. Assessment of carotid pulse
- D. Assessment of swallowing ability
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A common postoperative complication from this type of surgery is difficulty in swallowing, which creates a potential for aspiration. Cardiovascular complications are less likely at this stage of recovery. The patients body image should be assessed, but dysphagia has the potential to affect the patients airway, and is a consequent priority.
A patient visiting the clinic is diagnosed with acute sinusitis. To promote sinus drainage, the nurse should instruct the patient to perform which of the following?
- A. Apply a cold pack to the affected area.
- B. Apply a mustard poultice to the forehead.
- C. Perform postural drainage.
- D. Increase fluid intake.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: For a patient diagnosed with acute sinusitis, the nurse should instruct the patient that hot packs, increasing fluid intake, and elevating the head of the bed can promote drainage. Applying a mustard poultice will not promote sinus drainage. Postural drainage is used to remove bronchial secretions.