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.
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A patient has a DNR (do-not-resuscitate) order but their family insists on resuscitation if necessary. What should the nurse do?
- A. Follow the family's wishes to resuscitate.
- B. Explain that the nurse must follow the DNR order.
- C. Ask the provider for clarification on the DNR.
- D. Call the ethics committee to discuss the situation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse must follow the legal DNR order, even if the family insists on resuscitation. Respecting the patient's wishes is crucial in providing ethical care. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should prioritize the patient's documented wishes over the family's requests. Choice C may cause unnecessary delays in care as the DNR order is a legal document. Choice D is not the initial action to take in this situation; the nurse should first address the conflict between the family's wishes and the patient's DNR order.
Which of the following is the correct method to reduce the risk of infection when handling a urinary catheter?
- A. Clean the catheter tubing with soap and water.
- B. Maintain sterile technique when inserting the catheter.
- C. Insert the catheter using clean gloves and a clean technique.
- D. Flush the catheter tubing regularly with sterile water.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct method to reduce the risk of infection when handling a urinary catheter is to maintain sterile technique when inserting the catheter. Sterile technique helps prevent introducing pathogens into the urinary system, reducing the risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect because cleaning the catheter tubing with soap and water is not sufficient for preventing infection. Choice C is incorrect as clean gloves and technique are not enough; sterile technique is necessary. Choice D is incorrect as flushing the catheter tubing with sterile water, though important for maintaining catheter patency, does not address the need for sterile technique during insertion to prevent infection.
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.
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.
A nurse manager assigns a nursing assistant a task outside of their role. What should the nursing assistant do?
- A. Follow the manager's directive
- B. Report the task to the charge nurse
- C. Refuse to perform the task
- D. Perform the task and document later
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If a nurse manager assigns a nursing assistant a task that is outside of their role, the nursing assistant should report the task to the charge nurse. This is important because the charge nurse can provide guidance on whether the task is appropriate for the nursing assistant to perform. Choice A is incorrect because blindly following a directive that is outside of the nursing assistant's scope could lead to negative consequences. Choice C might not be the best course of action initially, as it's important to seek clarification first. Choice D is also not the best option because performing a task outside of one's role without proper authorization can pose risks to both the patient and the nursing assistant.