A nurse is caring for a patient who is expressing concerns about their upcoming surgical procedure. What action demonstrates therapeutic communication by the nurse?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Offering reassurance and encouragement to the patient demonstrates therapeutic communication by the nurse. In this situation, the nurse shows empathy and understanding towards the patient's concerns about the upcoming surgical procedure, which can help alleviate anxiety and build trust. Providing reassurance and encouragement can help the patient feel supported and understood, creating a positive and therapeutic interaction between the nurse and the patient. This approach fosters open communication and helps establish a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, which is essential for effective patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should obtain interpreter services or language assistance as needed to ensure effective communication with a patient who has limited English proficiency. Using an interpreter will facilitate clear and accurate communication between the nurse and the patient, enabling the patient to fully understand their care, treatment, and any instructions provided. Speaking loudly or slowly, using medical jargon, or ignoring the language barriers are not effective strategies for communicating with a patient who has limited English proficiency. Utilizing interpreter services demonstrates respect for the patient's language and cultural needs, which is essential for providing high-quality care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize removing the old dressing and applying a new dressing using sterile technique to minimize the risk of infection during a central venous catheter (CVC) dressing change. This is because the most critical step in preventing infection is maintaining a clean and sterile environment around the CVC insertion site. By using sterile technique, the nurse can reduce the introduction of microorganisms that could potentially lead to infection. Wearing sterile gloves and cleaning the insertion site with an alcohol-based antiseptic solution are important steps as well, but the key priority lies in applying the new dressing using sterile technique to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize positioning the patient in a left lateral decubitus position during gastric lavage to ensure procedural effectiveness. This position helps to promote optimal drainage of fluid and gastric contents. Placing the patient in a left lateral position allows gravity to assist in the passage of fluid and prevents the risk of aspiration. It also helps to minimize the risk of complications such as reflux of lavage fluid into the respiratory tract. Proper positioning is essential in enhancing the success of the gastric lavage procedure and promoting patient safety.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize screening the patient for contraindications to MRI, such as metal implants or claustrophobia, to ensure procedural safety. Metallic objects can be hazardous in an MRI environment as they can be attracted to the magnet, potentially causing harm to the patient or staff. Claustrophobia can also be a significant issue for patients undergoing an MRI scan, and identifying this beforehand allows for appropriate measures to be taken to address the patient's anxiety or discomfort. Prioritizing this screening step helps ensure the safety and well-being of the patient during the MRI procedure.