A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing conflicting emotions about a recent diagnosis. What therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use to help the patient explore their feelings?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Reflecting the patient's feelings and expressions is a therapeutic communication technique that involves mirroring back the patient's emotions and thoughts. By doing this, the nurse validates the patient's experiences and helps them explore their feelings further. This technique can enhance the patient's self-awareness and promote emotional expression, leading to a deeper understanding of their conflicting emotions. Offering advice (Option A) may not be as effective because the focus should be on helping the patient process their own emotions. Providing reassurance and false hope (Option B) can hinder the patient's emotional exploration and may lead to trust issues if the reality does not align with the false reassurance. Redirecting the conversation to a different topic (Option D) avoids addressing the patient's conflicting emotions, which is crucial for therapeutic communication and support.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize checking the patency of the NG tube by aspirating gastric contents before initiating tube feeding. This is important to ensure that the NG tube is in the correct position and that it is functioning properly. By aspirating gastric contents, the nurse can confirm that the tube is in the stomach and not in the lungs or surrounding tissues. If no gastric contents are obtained upon aspiration, it may indicate that the tube is not properly placed or may be occluded, which would require further assessment and intervention before proceeding with tube feeding. Checking the patency of the NG tube is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of enteral nutrition delivery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Using aseptic technique and sterile equipment during catheter insertion is crucial for minimizing the risk of infection during bladder catheterization. Aseptic technique involves maintaining a sterile field, washing hands thoroughly, using sterile gloves, and ensuring that all equipment used is sterile. By following these practices, the nurse can prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, reducing the likelihood of infection in the patient. While cleansing the perineal area with antiseptic solutions is important for general hygiene, the priority for infection prevention during catheterization lies in maintaining a sterile environment during the procedure. Administering prophylactic antibiotics is not routinely recommended for catheterization unless there are specific risk factors present.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most critical action to prioritize for ensuring patient safety during a cardiopulmonary exercise stress test is to monitor the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm continuously during the test (Option B). This monitoring allows the healthcare team to promptly detect any abnormal heart rhythms or signs of cardiac distress, enabling timely intervention if necessary. Continuous ECG monitoring is essential during exercise testing as it helps in assessing the heart's response to physical activity and identifying any potential cardiac abnormalities or complications that may arise during the test. By closely monitoring the ECG rhythm, the nurse can ensure the patient's safety and well-being throughout the procedure. Administering a beta-blocker medication before the test (Option A) may be indicated in some cases but is not as crucial as continuous ECG monitoring during the test. Encouraging the patient to consume a heavy meal before the test (Option C) is contraindicated as it can interfere with the accuracy of the results

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The described presentation of a pruritic, annular rash with central clearing and a raised, scaly border that spreads outward in a centrifugal pattern is characteristic of tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm. This fungal infection affects the skin and is typically ring-shaped, with a well-defined, slightly raised, and scaly border. The central area often clears as the lesion enlarges peripherally, resembling a ring. It is important to note that ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications applied topically or taken orally, depending on the severity of the infection.