A nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a colonoscopy. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bleeding or perforation. After a colonoscopy, the patient is at risk for bleeding or perforation which are serious complications requiring immediate attention. Monitoring for signs such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or signs of peritonitis is crucial. Choice A is not a priority unless the patient shows signs of shock. Choice C is a common post-procedure issue but not a priority complication. Choice D, pain at the insertion site, is expected and can be managed with analgesics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: culturalism. This is because culturalism refers to the belief that all members of a culture share the same beliefs or practices. Expecting all Chinese persons to believe in the hot-cold theory is an example of culturalism as it assumes a homogenous perspective within the Chinese culture. A: A critical cultural perspective would involve questioning and analyzing cultural beliefs and practices rather than assuming they are universal. C: Ethnic practice refers to specific customs or traditions within a particular ethnic group, not a general belief system like the hot-cold theory. D: Ethnicity refers to one's cultural background or heritage, but it does not address the assumption of shared beliefs within a culture.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increasing caffeine consumption. Caffeine can potentially raise blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. The rationale is that caffeine is a stimulant that can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure. This can be harmful for patients with a history of hypertension as it can exacerbate their condition. A: Increasing potassium intake is generally recommended for individuals with hypertension as it can help lower blood pressure. B: Consuming more fruits and vegetables is also beneficial for hypertension due to their high fiber and nutrient content. C: Limiting sodium intake is crucial for managing hypertension as high sodium levels can lead to increased blood pressure. In summary, increasing caffeine consumption is the correct answer to avoid for patients with hypertension, as it can potentially worsen their condition by raising blood pressure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping the inhaler once feeling better is incorrect. Inhalers are used to manage COPD symptoms long-term, not just when feeling unwell. Step 1: Explain that inhalers are essential for managing COPD and should be used consistently. Step 2: Emphasize that stopping inhaler use prematurely can lead to exacerbation of symptoms and worsening of the condition. Step 3: Reinforce the importance of following the prescribed treatment plan for optimal COPD management. Other choices are incorrect: A: True, avoiding second-hand smoke is crucial for COPD management. B: True, taking medications as prescribed is essential. D: True, breathing exercises can help improve lung function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory depression. After a stroke, the patient may experience impaired breathing due to neurological damage affecting the respiratory center in the brain. Monitoring for signs of respiratory depression, such as shallow breathing or decreased oxygen saturation, is crucial to prevent respiratory failure. Severe headache (A) may be a symptom of stroke but is not the highest priority for monitoring. Dehydration (B) is important to prevent but not typically a direct consequence of stroke. Sudden loss of vision (D) may occur with certain types of strokes but is not as critical to monitor as respiratory depression.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pitting edema and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, worsening symptoms indicate fluid retention. Pitting edema in the extremities and weight gain are signs of fluid overload, indicating worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor these signs to prevent exacerbation. Fatigue and shortness of breath (Choice A) are common symptoms in heart failure but not specific to worsening condition. Increased urine output (Choice B) is not typically seen in worsening heart failure as the kidneys may be compromised. Decreased blood pressure (Choice C) can occur in acute decompensation but is not a consistent sign of worsening chronic heart failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because increased sputum production and shortness of breath are classic signs of exacerbation in COPD. This indicates worsening airflow limitation and potential respiratory distress. Monitoring these signs helps in early intervention and preventing further complications. B: Improved oxygen saturation is not a sign of exacerbation in COPD. It would actually suggest improvement in the patient's condition. C: Increased energy levels are not typical signs of exacerbation in COPD. Patients usually experience fatigue and weakness during exacerbations. D: Decreased respiratory rate is not indicative of exacerbation in COPD. It could be a sign of respiratory depression or sedation, but not exacerbation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cold, dry air. Cold, dry air is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations, as it can irritate the airways and lead to bronchoconstriction. This trigger can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of an asthma attack. Educating the patient to avoid cold, dry air can help prevent asthma flare-ups. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity but can be managed with proper warm-up and medication. It is not typically something to avoid altogether. C: Caffeine is a mild bronchodilator and can actually help alleviate asthma symptoms in some cases. D: Environmental allergens can trigger asthma in some individuals, but they vary from person to person, so avoidance strategies would depend on specific allergens identified through testing.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because stopping insulin when blood sugar is normal can lead to hyperglycemia. A: Monitoring blood sugar is essential for diabetes management. C: Eating balanced diet and exercising help control blood sugar levels. D: Avoiding sugary foods is important to manage blood sugar.