The surgical mask the perioperative nurse is wearing becomes moist. Which action will the perioperative nurse take next?
- A. Do not change the mask if the nurse is comfortable.
- B. Change the mask when relieved by the next shift.
- C. Apply a new mask.
- D. Reapply the mask after it air-dries.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a surgical mask becomes moist, it loses its effectiveness as a barrier against microorganisms. Therefore, the perioperative nurse should apply a new mask. Choice A is incorrect because a moist mask should not be continued to be worn even if the nurse is comfortable. Choice B is not the best course of action as the mask should be changed immediately when it becomes moist. Choice D is also incorrect as waiting for the mask to air-dry is not recommended due to the loss of barrier effectiveness.
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The nurse is admitting a patient with an infectious disease process. Which question will be most appropriate for a nurse to ask about the patient's susceptibility to this infectious process?
- A. Do you have any children living in your home?
- B. Do you have a spouse?
- C. Do you have a chronic disease?
- D. Do you have any religious beliefs that will influence your care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do you have a chronic disease?' Patients with chronic diseases are more susceptible to infections due to factors like general debilitation and nutritional impairment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because having children in the home, having a spouse, or religious beliefs do not directly impact susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?
- A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
- B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
- C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
- D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.
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.
A patient with a urinary catheter reports discomfort. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Ensure the catheter tubing is not kinked.
- B. Irrigate the catheter to relieve the discomfort.
- C. Change the catheter to a smaller size.
- D. Remove the catheter and replace it with a new one.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the catheter tubing is not kinked. This is the priority action because a kinked tubing can obstruct urine flow, leading to discomfort and potential complications. It is essential to troubleshoot the current catheter first before considering other interventions. Irrigating the catheter (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue of kinking. Changing the catheter to a smaller size (Choice C) or removing and replacing it with a new one (Choice D) should only be considered if ensuring the tubing is unkinked does not resolve the discomfort.
When a nurse is assigned to float to another unit and feels unprepared, what is the most appropriate course of action?
- A. Refusing to take the assignment.
- B. Requesting help and clarification from the charge nurse.
- C. Completing the assignment and documenting the concerns later.
- D. Filing a formal complaint with hospital administration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a nurse is assigned to float to another unit and feels unprepared, the most appropriate course of action is to request help and clarification from the charge nurse. This allows the nurse to address any concerns, seek guidance, and ensure safe patient care. Refusing the assignment (Choice A) is not a constructive approach as it may leave the unit short-staffed and compromise patient safety. Completing the assignment and documenting concerns later (Choice C) is not recommended as it delays addressing the issues at hand. Filing a formal complaint with hospital administration (Choice D) should be considered only after attempting to resolve the issue at the unit level first.