A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administering oxygen as prescribed. Oxygen therapy is a critical intervention in pneumonia to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxia. Priority is given to interventions that address the immediate physiological needs of the patient. Encouraging fluid intake (A) is important but not as urgent as oxygen therapy. Encouraging ambulation (C) can be beneficial for overall health but may not be suitable for a patient with pneumonia. Providing pain medication (D) is important for comfort but is not the priority in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I can stop taking my medication if I feel fine." This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the importance of medication adherence in managing heart failure. Here's the rationale: 1. Patients with heart failure often require lifelong medication to control symptoms and prevent complications. 2. Stopping medication abruptly can lead to worsening of heart failure symptoms and potential health risks. 3. Monitoring for symptoms is essential, but it does not replace the need for consistent medication use. Other choices are incorrect because: A is correct as daily medication adherence is crucial. B is correct as reducing sodium intake helps manage fluid retention in heart failure. D is correct as daily weight monitoring helps detect fluid retention early.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide a source of fast-acting carbohydrate. In hypoglycemia, the priority is to raise blood glucose levels quickly to prevent complications like seizures or loss of consciousness. Fast-acting carbs like juice or glucose tablets are the first-line treatment. Administering insulin (choice A) would lower blood sugar further. Administering an oral hypoglycemic agent (choice C) takes time to work and is not suitable for emergencies. Monitoring blood pressure (choice D) is important but not the priority in this situation.

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: 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.