A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient and notes that the surgical site is red, swollen, and warm to the touch. What should the nurse do first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider. The symptoms described suggest signs of infection at the surgical site, which requires immediate attention by the healthcare provider. In this situation, the nurse should prioritize notifying the healthcare provider to ensure prompt assessment and appropriate intervention. Checking the patient's temperature (choice A) may provide additional information but does not address the immediate need for intervention. Administering pain medication (choice C) may temporarily alleviate symptoms but does not address the underlying issue of infection. Performing a neurological exam (choice D) is not indicated based on the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer pain relief. The priority action is to address the patient's immediate need, which is pain control to ensure comfort and promote recovery. Administering pain relief is crucial for patient well-being post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect as a bronchodilator is not indicated for pain management. Choice C is also incorrect as monitoring blood glucose levels is not the priority for a patient complaining of pain post-surgery. Choice D is a duplicate answer and does not provide any additional information.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help to open the airways quickly, providing immediate relief for the patient's shortness of breath in an acute asthma attack. This intervention addresses the patient's current distress and helps improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (choice B) is important for long-term management but not the priority in an acute situation. Monitoring vital signs (choice C) is essential but not the immediate priority when the patient is in respiratory distress. Administering insulin (choice D) is not indicated for asthma and would not address the patient's shortness of breath.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer, D, is appropriate for delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) because measuring induration at the site of an intradermal skin test is a task that is simple, non-invasive, and within the UAP scope of practice. It does not require specialized knowledge or interpretation, making it suitable for delegation. Option A, listening to a patient's lung sounds for wheezes or crackles, involves a higher level of skill and interpretation that should be done by a licensed healthcare provider. Option B, labeling specimens obtained during percutaneous lung biopsy, requires precision and accuracy to ensure proper specimen handling, which is beyond the scope of a UAP's responsibilities. Option C, instructing a patient about how to use home spirometry testing, involves patient education and requires a healthcare provider's expertise to ensure accurate instruction and understanding. In an educational context, understanding the delegation of tasks is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care. Nurses must be able to differentiate between tasks that can be delegated to UAPs and those that require the expertise of licensed healthcare providers. This knowledge ensures that patient care is delivered efficiently while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct option, C) Teach the patient to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is the most appropriate choice when teaching a patient about the use of expectorants. This is because NSAIDs can actually worsen respiratory conditions by causing bronchoconstriction and inhibiting the body's ability to clear secretions. It is crucial for patients using expectorants to be aware of this potential interaction to optimize their respiratory health. Option A) Use a swab to obtain a sample for a rapid strep antigen test, is incorrect as it is not related to teaching about expectorants. Rapid strep tests are used to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitis, which is unrelated to expectorant use. Option B) Discuss the need to rinse the mouth out after using any inhalers, while important for preventing oral thrush with inhaled corticosteroids, is not directly related to teaching about expectorants and their mechanisms of action in loosening mucus. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind teaching patients about the appropriate use of expectorants is essential for healthcare providers. By providing accurate information and guidance on medication use, patients can better manage their respiratory conditions and improve their overall health outcomes. It is important to emphasize the specific instructions and precautions associated with expectorants to ensure patient safety and effectiveness of treatment.