A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial for patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy to prevent complications like infections and ulcers. By inspecting their feet daily, the patient can identify any injuries or abnormalities early and seek prompt medical attention. This proactive approach can help prevent serious consequences such as amputations. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Taking medications only when experiencing symptoms - This is not recommended as medications for diabetes and neuropathy are often prescribed to prevent complications and manage the conditions on a daily basis. C: Exercising to increase foot circulation - While exercise is beneficial, patients with peripheral neuropathy may have decreased sensation in their feet, increasing the risk of injury during exercise. D: Wearing tight-fitting shoes to avoid blisters - Tight-fitting shoes can cause pressure points and increase the risk of foot injuries, especially in patients with neuropathy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: impetigo. The characteristics of moist, thin-roofed vesicles with a thin erythematous base are classic features of impetigo, a bacterial skin infection commonly seen in children. Impetigo is highly contagious and commonly affects the face and buttocks. The presence of blisters and scabs further supports the diagnosis of impetigo. Explanation of other choices: A: Eczema typically presents as dry, itchy patches of skin with redness and scaling. It does not usually manifest as vesicles or blisters. C: Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, presents as a painful rash with grouped vesicles on one side of the body along a nerve pathway. It is uncommon in children and usually affects older individuals. D: Diaper dermatitis is a common rash in infants due to prolonged skin exposure to urine and feces. It typically presents as redness, irritation, and possibly skin breakdown in the diaper

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atelectasis and pneumonia. Following abdominal surgery, patients are at risk for atelectasis (lung collapse) due to shallow breathing and pneumonia due to impaired lung function. A nurse should monitor for signs such as decreased oxygen saturation, increased respiratory rate, and crackles on auscultation. Wound infection (A) is a common post-operative complication but not specific to abdominal surgery. Hyperglycemia (B) may occur due to stress response but is not directly related to abdominal surgery. Dehydration (C) is a concern post-operatively, but respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia are higher priority due to potential life-threatening consequences.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects empathy by acknowledging the mother's feelings without judgment or personal bias. The nurse shows understanding and compassion by recognizing the difficulty of the situation. Incorrect answer A lacks empathy as it simply restates the mother's feeling without demonstrating understanding. Answer B also lacks empathy as it focuses on the boyfriend's actions rather than the mother's feelings. Answer D shows some empathy by acknowledging the difficulty but fails to address the mother's emotional state directly. In summary, answer C is correct because it shows empathy by acknowledging the mother's emotions and validating her experience without judgment or redirection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Older adults may have a longer story to tell due to their wealth of life experiences. This can include medical history, family background, and personal stories that may impact their health. It is important for the nurse to gather all relevant information to provide appropriate care. Choice B is incorrect because not all older adults are lonely, and the reason for a longer interview is not solely based on the need for social interaction. Choice C is incorrect because while some older adults may experience cognitive decline, it is not a blanket statement that all older adults lose mental abilities. Choice D is incorrect because hearing loss is not a universal issue among older adults, and assuming so can lead to ageist stereotypes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because floaters are a common and typically benign phenomenon caused by condensed vitreous fibers in the eye. A nurse should educate the patient that floaters are usually not significant and do not require immediate intervention. Option A is incorrect because counting the number of floaters is unnecessary. Option B is incorrect because presuming glaucoma without proper assessment is inappropriate. Option C is incorrect because seeing occasional floaters is a common and normal occurrence in many individuals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cover the burn site with a clean, dry dressing. This intervention helps protect the burn from infection, promotes healing, and reduces pain. Ice can further damage the skin. Pain medication may be needed but does not address wound care. Maintaining a sterile dressing is crucial, but covering with a clean, dry dressing is more practical and achievable in most settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: It helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, allowing for pressure equalization. During activities like swallowing or yawning, the tube opens to allow air to flow in or out, maintaining equal pressure. This function is crucial for proper hearing and preventing discomfort or damage to the tympanic membrane. Choice A is incorrect as cerumen is produced by ceruminous glands in the ear canal, not the eustachian tube. Choice B is incorrect as the eustachian tube normally remains closed and opens only intermittently during specific actions. Choice C is incorrect as the eustachian tube does not connect the middle and outer ear; it connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with a history of stroke are at increased risk for DVT due to immobility and potential damage to blood vessels. The nurse should monitor for signs such as swelling, pain, and redness in the extremities. Pneumonia (A) can occur post-stroke but is not the most common complication. Hypoglycemia (C) is more relevant for diabetic patients. Hypertension (D) is a common comorbidity in stroke patients but monitoring for DVT is crucial due to its immediate life-threatening implications.