A client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, it is essential to adjust the settings if their pain level is not adequately controlled. Increasing the basal rate and shortening the lock-out interval time can help manage the client's pain more effectively. This adjustment should be made by the healthcare provider based on the client's pain assessment and response to the current settings. It is crucial to individualize the PCA pump settings to optimize pain management for each client. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because educating the family not to push the button, explaining vital sign monitoring, and setting a specific pain level for button pushing are not direct actions the nurse should take to adjust the PCA pump settings for effective pain management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A: 'Confirming that a client's pain has decreased after receiving an analgesic.' This task involves assessing the effectiveness of the medication, which can be delegated to the assistive personnel. Options B, C, and D involve skills that should be performed by licensed healthcare professionals due to their complexity and potential risks if not done correctly. Ambulating a postoperative client requires monitoring for signs of distress or complications, inserting a urinary catheter involves an invasive procedure with infection risks, and demonstrating the use of medical devices like an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge to ensure correct usage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Nurses are healthcare professionals who can independently make decisions within their defined scope of practice, providing care to patients. This autonomy allows nurses to assess, diagnose, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care without direct supervision from physicians. Choice A is incorrect because while nurses do need to graduate from nursing school, it's to earn a degree, not necessarily to obtain a license. Choice B is incorrect as while continuous education is important in nursing, it is not a defining characteristic of the profession. Choice D is incorrect because while nurses are expected to adhere to professional behaviors, it is not limited to their professional lives but extends to their personal lives as well.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommended that nurses practice to the full extent of their education, which includes utilizing advanced practice nurses. This supports the efficient delivery of healthcare services. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the relationship between advanced practice nurses and physicians rather than a reason for increasing their use. Choice C is not a direct reason for increasing the use of advanced practice nurses but rather a statement about the terminal degree for nurse practitioners. Choice D is incorrect as advanced practice nurses do possess the skills necessary to diagnose and provide advanced care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.