Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A verbal report. This is because exchanging information verbally between nurses allows for real-time communication, ensuring important details are accurately conveyed. Electronic record entry (B) involves documenting information in the patient's record but does not involve direct communication. Referral (C) refers to transferring the patient's care to another healthcare provider. Acuity rating (D) is a tool used to determine the severity of a patient's condition and does not involve exchanging information between nurses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Importance of personal hygiene. Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial for patients with HIV to prevent infections. This includes regular handwashing, oral care, and bathing. By emphasizing personal hygiene, the nurse can help the patient reduce the risk of opportunistic infections. Prophylactic antibiotics (choice A) are important but should be prescribed by the healthcare provider. Signs and symptoms of wasting syndrome (choice C) are significant, but focusing on prevention through hygiene is more practical. Adjusting antiretroviral dosages (choice D) is the responsibility of the healthcare provider, not the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pain on manipulation of the auricle is characteristic of otitis externa. This is because otitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, causing pain and tenderness when the ear is touched or manipulated. A: Tophi on the pinna and ear lobe is characteristic of gout, not otitis externa. B: Dark yellow cerumen in the external auditory canal is common and not specific to otitis externa. D: Air bubbles visible in the middle ear are associated with otitis media, not otitis externa. In summary, pain on manipulation of the auricle is a key assessment finding in otitis externa, distinguishing it from other ear conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: D - Proper hand hygiene techniques Rationale: 1. Clostridium difficile is mainly spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. 2. Proper hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of bacteria. 3. Hand hygiene removes bacteria from hands, reducing the risk of transmission. 4. Appropriate disposal (A) is important but doesn't directly prevent spread. Monthly in-services (B) and mandatory cultures (C) are not as effective as hand hygiene in preventing transmission.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Communication. Healthcare records are essential for effective communication among healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. They help convey important information about a patient's condition, treatment plan, and progress. Explanation: 1. Communication: Healthcare records facilitate communication between different healthcare team members, ensuring coordinated and efficient care delivery. 2. Legal documentation: While important, legal documentation is a separate purpose of healthcare records, not directly related to communication. 3. Reimbursement: Healthcare records are used for billing and reimbursement purposes, but this is not directly related to communication. 4. Nursing process: The nursing process involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care, which is documented in healthcare records. However, this is not a primary purpose related to communication.