A college student fell and sprained his right ankle. The student health physician recommends the student use crutches to facilitate healing. Which of the following would the nurse teach the student?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of basic nursing care for a neurosurgery patient, it is crucial to educate the student on proper crutch use to prevent complications. Option C, which states that the support of the body should be on the hands and arms, is the correct answer. This is because supporting the body weight through the hands and arms helps distribute the pressure evenly, preventing nerve damage that can occur with axillary pressure. Option A, which suggests the crutches should be as long as the student is tall, is incorrect because the ideal crutch length should be adjusted to ensure the elbows are slightly bent when the student is standing upright. Crutches that are too long or too short can lead to discomfort and poor weight distribution. Option B, which states the support should be in the axilla, is incorrect because placing weight on the axilla can compress the brachial plexus and lead to nerve damage, discomfort, and potential injury. Option D, which advises walking fast and using long steps with crutches, is incorrect as this can increase the risk of falls and instability. It is important to teach the student to take slow, steady steps to maintain balance and prevent further injury to the sprained ankle. Educationally, it is important to emphasize the rationale behind proper crutch use to ensure patient safety and optimal healing. By understanding the correct technique, the student can prevent complications and promote effective rehabilitation. Proper education on crutch use is essential for both patient comfort and safety in promoting optimal recovery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) eating fermented products, such as yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the normal flora in the gut after a bout of diarrhea. These probiotics help in replenishing the healthy bacteria that may have been depleted due to the medication-induced diarrhea. Option A) stool-softening laxatives like Colace are used to treat constipation, not to restore normal flora after diarrhea. Option B) increasing fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration during diarrhea but does not directly promote the return of normal flora. Option C) drinking fluids with a high sugar content can exacerbate diarrhea by drawing water into the intestines and feeding harmful bacteria, thus it is not recommended in this case. Educationally, it's crucial for nurses to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy gut flora, especially in patients recovering from diarrhea. By recommending fermented products like yogurt, nurses can help patients restore the balance of their gut microbiome and support overall gastrointestinal health. This knowledge empowers nurses to provide evidence-based care that promotes the best outcomes for their patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of basic nursing care for neurosurgery patients, understanding the hierarchy of risk control is crucial for maintaining patient safety. The correct answer, A) Elimination, is first in the hierarchy for several reasons. Elimination involves removing the hazard entirely, which is the most effective way to prevent harm. In a healthcare setting, eliminating risks such as patient falls or medication errors is paramount to ensuring patient well-being. Option B) Safe working procedures, while important, comes after elimination in the hierarchy. Safe working procedures help mitigate risks that cannot be eliminated but should not be relied upon as the primary control measure. Option C) Training instruction and supervision is also essential but falls below elimination in the hierarchy. Proper training can reduce risks, but it does not eliminate them entirely. Option D) Substitution involves replacing a hazard with a safer alternative and is valuable in certain contexts. However, it is not as effective as elimination in ensuring patient safety in a neurosurgery setting. Educationally, understanding the hierarchy of risk control helps nurses prioritize interventions to safeguard patients. By recognizing that elimination is the most effective strategy, nurses can focus on removing hazards whenever possible to create the safest environment for neurosurgery patients. This knowledge enhances nursing practice and contributes to delivering quality care in a high-risk setting.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) An electric cable that is uncovered because it represents a clear physical hazard in the workplace. Uncovered electric cables pose a risk of electrical shock or fire, which can result in serious injuries to individuals in the vicinity. It is crucial to always ensure that electrical cables are properly insulated and covered to prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment. Option A) A wet floor sign put up after mopping is a safety measure to alert individuals of a potential hazard, not a hazard itself. While it is important to have proper signage for wet floors, the act of putting up a sign does not create a hazard. Option B) Leaving the windows unlocked may pose a security risk but does not directly relate to workplace hazards that can cause physical harm to individuals. Option C) Climbing out of a tractor cab can be risky if not done properly, but it does not inherently represent a hazard in the workplace unless specific unsafe actions are taken during the process. In an educational context, understanding workplace hazards is essential for healthcare professionals, especially those caring for neurosurgery patients. Maintaining a safe environment is crucial to prevent any additional harm to patients who are already vulnerable due to their medical condition. By recognizing and mitigating workplace hazards, nurses can ensure the well-being of both patients and themselves while providing effective care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Following safe working instructions is crucial for healthcare professionals providing nursing care to neurosurgery patients. Option C, to reduce the risk of accident and injury in the workplace, is the correct answer. In a neurosurgery setting, where patients may have compromised neurological status and are vulnerable to complications, any accident or injury can have serious consequences. By adhering to safe working instructions, nurses can minimize the potential risks of harm to both themselves and their patients. Option A, to improve staff morale and teamwork, while important in creating a positive work environment, is not directly related to the importance of safe working instructions in ensuring patient and staff safety in a neurosurgery unit. Option B, to reduce the cost of staff health and safety training, although a valid consideration in healthcare settings, does not address the primary purpose of safe working instructions, which is to prevent accidents and injuries. Option D, to ensure that the company can pass a health and safety inspection, is also important but is more focused on regulatory compliance rather than the immediate safety of patients and staff in a neurosurgery unit. Educationally, understanding the importance of safe working instructions in a neurosurgery setting emphasizes the critical role of nurses in maintaining a safe environment for both themselves and their patients. It underscores the need for strict adherence to protocols and procedures to prevent potential harm and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing neurosurgical interventions.