What is the most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level?
- A. Observe the patient's facial expressions.
- B. Use a standardized pain scale, such as 0-10.
- C. Ask the patient to rate their pain based on their mood.
- D. Ask the patient's family members to assess the pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level is to use a standardized pain scale, such as a 0-10 scale. This method provides an objective and consistent way to measure and communicate the intensity of pain experienced by the patient. Choice A, observing facial expressions, can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain. Choice C, asking the patient to rate their pain based on their mood, may be influenced by various factors unrelated to pain. Choice D, involving the patient's family members in assessing the pain, is not ideal as pain is a subjective experience that should be reported by the patient themselves.
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A patient is admitted with suspected pneumonia. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
- A. Auscultate the patient's lung sounds.
- B. Assess the patient's oxygen saturation.
- C. Monitor the patient's white blood cell count.
- D. Monitor the patient's skin integrity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's oxygen saturation. In suspected pneumonia, ensuring adequate oxygenation is critical to monitor respiratory function. Auscultating lung sounds is important but assessing oxygen saturation takes precedence as it directly reflects the patient's oxygen levels. Monitoring white blood cell count is more related to infection assessment rather than immediate respiratory status. Checking skin integrity is essential for overall patient care but is not the priority in a patient with suspected pneumonia.
A patient is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the nurse's immediate action?
- A. Assist the patient into a high Fowler's position.
- B. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
- C. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths and cough.
- D. Assess the patient's lung sounds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula is the immediate action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. This intervention helps to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress promptly. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice A) may also be beneficial but providing oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to address the underlying hypoxemia. Encouraging deep breaths and coughing (choice C) may not be appropriate as the first action, especially without assessing the patient first. Assessing lung sounds (choice D) is essential but should follow the initial intervention of administering oxygen.
A client asks about becoming an organ donor. What information should the nurse provide?
- A. The process should be discussed with family first.
- B. The organ donation process should begin immediately.
- C. Organ donation can proceed even if the family disagrees.
- D. Donor cards must be signed in the presence of a witness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. For organ donation to be legally valid, the donor must sign consent documents in the presence of a witness. Choice A is incorrect because while discussing with family is important, it is not a legal requirement for organ donation. Choice B is incorrect as the organ donation process involves various steps and procedures that cannot begin immediately. Choice C is incorrect because organ donation typically requires consent and cooperation from the family if the donor is unable to provide consent.
A nurse manager notices a discrepancy in a nurse's narcotics record. What is the appropriate action?
- A. Ask the nurse for clarification about the record.
- B. Report the discrepancy to the pharmacy.
- C. Report the issue to the nurse manager immediately.
- D. Ignore the discrepancy as a clerical error.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The appropriate action when a nurse manager notices a discrepancy in a nurse's narcotics record is to report the discrepancy to the pharmacy. Reporting such discrepancies is crucial to ensure accountability and patient safety. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse manager should not confront the nurse directly without proper investigation. Choice C is incorrect because reporting to the nurse manager may not address the issue effectively. Choice D is incorrect because ignoring the discrepancy can compromise patient safety and violates protocols.
Which intervention is most effective in managing a patient with chronic pain?
- A. Administer opioid medications as prescribed.
- B. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
- C. Encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises.
- D. Recommend complete bed rest to minimize pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention in managing a patient with chronic pain is teaching the patient relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, decrease muscle tension, and improve pain management in patients with chronic pain. Administering opioids as prescribed may have risks of dependence and side effects, making it less favorable as a first-line intervention. Encouraging range of motion exercises can be beneficial, but relaxation techniques directly target stress reduction, a common exacerbating factor in chronic pain. Recommending complete bed rest is generally discouraged in chronic pain management as it can lead to deconditioning and worsen pain over time.