A nurse is preparing to assist with a lumbar puncture procedure for a patient. What action should the nurse take to maintain procedural asepsis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A nurse should wear sterile gloves and a surgical mask during a lumbar puncture procedure to maintain procedural asepsis. Sterile gloves help prevent contamination of the procedure site and reduce the risk of introducing microorganisms to the puncture site. Surgical masks help minimize the risk of respiratory secretions contaminating the sterile field, which is essential for maintaining asepsis during the procedure. Additionally, proper hand hygiene before and after the procedure is crucial in preventing the spread of infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurse Gina has to consider that most of the elderly are dependent on others financially. This is an important factor to take into account when planning and providing care for elderly patients. Many elderly individuals rely on financial assistance from family members, government programs, or retirement funds. Understanding the financial status of elderly patients helps nurses like Gina provide adequate care and support to meet their needs effectively. This can involve coordinating with social services or financial assistance programs to ensure that the patients' financial concerns are addressed along with their healthcare needs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is known to cause a serious rash, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial for patients taking Lamotrigine to be aware of this potential side effect and report any skin rashes to their healthcare provider promptly. Early detection and appropriate management are essential in preventing serious complications related to these rashes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. In this scenario, the ER nurse clarifies the doctor's prescription to ensure the correct dosage of the pain medication based on the pain scale assessment and the patient's age. By doing so, the nurse is ensuring that the medication is safe and effective for the patient, thus adhering to the principle of non-maleficence. This action demonstrates the nurse's commitment to preventing harm and promoting the well-being of the patient through proper medication management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To keep abreast with the latest trends in peri-operative nursing, Merle should employ a combination of attending training and seminars, performing researches, and pursuing graduate studies. Attending training and seminars will expose Merle to new information, techniques, and best practices in peri-operative nursing. Performing researches will help Merle stay updated with current developments and evidence-based practices in the field. Pursuing graduate studies will provide Merle with advanced knowledge and skills, allowing for a deeper understanding of peri-operative nursing concepts and practices. By incorporating all of these strategies, Merle can ensure that he remains knowledgeable and competent in his role as a peri-operative nurse.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The clinical presentation of fever, malaise, maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading to the trunk and extremities, along with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, is highly suggestive of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. RMSF is a tick-borne illness transmitted by the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick. The constellation of symptoms described aligns well with the typical presentation of RMSF. Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, which presents with erythema migrans but does not typically cause leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of severe malaria and would present with symptoms such as cyclic fevers, anemia, and jaundice but not the described rash distribution.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation described is consistent with nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema. Nummular eczema typically presents as circular or oval-shaped patches of eczematous rash with fine scaling and central clearing. It is often pruritic and can be triggered by exposure to irritants such as new soaps or laundry detergents. The distribution on the trunk and proximal extremities is also typical for nummular eczema. Tinea corporis (ringworm) would present with a more raised, scaly, and well-defined border with central clearing. Pityriasis rosea presents with a herald patch followed by smaller oval or round lesions in a "Christmas tree" distribution. Lichen planus would present with polygonal, purplish, flat-topped papules typically located on flexural surfaces and extremities.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Guava leaves are recommended by the Department of Health as a remedy for cough due to their natural expectorant properties. The leaves contain compounds that help to loosen mucus and make it easier to expel, providing relief from cough and congestion. Guava leaves are commonly used in traditional medicine for respiratory conditions such as cough, bronchitis, and asthma. They help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and promote overall respiratory health. It is important to note that while guava leaves can be a helpful remedy for cough, they should be used in conjunction with other treatments as advised by healthcare professionals for best results.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. In the shoulder, bursitis commonly affects the subacromial bursa, located between the rotator cuff tendons and the top of the shoulder blade. The inflammation of this bursa can lead to pain and restricted movement around the shoulder joint.