A nurse is explaining to a patient with asthma what her new prescription for prednisone is used for. What would be the most accurate explanation that the nurse could give?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Prednisone, an oral corticosteroid, is prescribed for asthma to gain prompt control of inadequately controlled, persistent symptoms, typically as a short-term burst (3-10 days). It rapidly reduces severe inflammation driving exacerbations swelling, mucus, and bronchospasm when inhaled therapies fail, restoring airway patency fast. Long-term prevention relies on inhaled corticosteroids, not oral prednisone, due to systemic side effects (e.g., osteoporosis). Asthma isn't infection-driven; prednisone doesn't cure systemic infections, nor is it for pulmonary infection prevention antibiotics serve that role if needed. The nurse's explanation clarifies prednisone's acute role highlighting duration and monitoring (e.g., glucose spikes) ensuring the patient understands its temporary, potent purpose in asthma crisis management, per clinical guidelines.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Recommending family inclusion in preoperative education eases anxiety for both patient and relatives by clarifying procedures and postoperative roles, like coaching exercises. Family understanding reduces patient stress, enhancing compliance with instructions. Excluding family or limiting them to the waiting room misses this support opportunity education benefits from their involvement. Requiring attendance overstates policy; it's ideal, not mandatory. The nurse's response fosters a collaborative environment, aligning with holistic care to prepare the patient and family for the surgical experience, reducing misunderstandings and improving outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anesthesia lowers metabolism, reducing heat production and causing postoperative hypothermia (97°F) and shivering, as the body's thermoregulation is depressed. A gown alone or laminar flow contributes minimally in a short procedure like carpal tunnel repair. No open body cavity exists here unlike major surgeries so heat loss is limited. The nurse's recognition guides warming measures (e.g., blankets), aligning with recovery care to restore normothermia safely.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Personality development is influenced by factors like culture, environment, and social groups, which shape an individual's traits and behaviors over time. 'Nutrition,' is correct as the answer because it is not a direct determinant of personality, though it impacts physical health. Culture (Choice A) defines values and norms that mold personality, as seen in cross-cultural psychology studies. Group (Choice B) refers to social interactions, such as peer influence, which shape traits, per social learning theory by Albert Bandura. Environment (Choice C) encompasses upbringing and surroundings, critical in Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages. Nutrition, while essential for brain development and overall health, lacks a direct link to personality traits like extroversion or conscientiousness in psychological models, unlike the other options. Its effects are more physiological than psychological, making D the factor least related to personality development, consistent with established theories focusing on social and environmental influences.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Susceptibility to infection hinges on factors that directly affect the body's ability to resist pathogens. 'Racial status,' is correct as the factor that does not typically influence susceptibility, as race is a social construct with no direct biological link to immune response, per modern medical consensus (e.g., WHO). 'Immune status,' is a key determinant, as a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV) increases infection risk. 'Nutritional status,' matters, as malnutrition impairs immune function (e.g., vitamin deficiencies). 'Metabolic disorder,' like diabetes, heightens susceptibility by disrupting immune responses. Unlike these physiological factors, racial status lacks evidence as a direct causal factor in infection risk, though socioeconomic disparities tied to race might indirectly affect health. Its exclusion from clinical determinants of susceptibility makes B the correct answer.