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: B

Rationale: The best response for a nurse when a patient expresses dissatisfaction with the care they received during their hospital stay is to listen actively to the patient's concerns, apologize for any shortcomings, and offer to address the issues. It is crucial for healthcare providers to acknowledge the patient's perspective, validate their feelings, and work towards resolving any issues that may have contributed to their dissatisfaction. This approach demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to patient-centered care, fostering trust and effective communication between the patient and the healthcare team. Dismissing the patient's concerns (option A), ignoring their dissatisfaction (option C), or telling them that their concerns are unfounded (option D) can further escalate the situation and lead to a breakdown in the patient-provider relationship.

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: A

Rationale: Quality improvement measures are most effective when everyone within an organization is involved. This includes not only professional and management staff but also consumers or customers who are directly impacted by the products or services being provided. By involving everyone, a more comprehensive and diverse perspective can be gained, leading to better identification of areas for improvement and more successful implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, by involving all stakeholders, there is a greater buy-in and commitment to the process, increasing the likelihood of sustainable improvements being made.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The priority intervention to manage respiratory infection in a patient with VAP is the administration of appropriate antibiotics to target and eliminate the causative pathogens. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually initiated empirically to cover a wide range of potential pathogens commonly associated with VAP, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter species. Timely initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial in improving outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with VAP. Other interventions like endotracheal suctioning, oral hygiene measures, and early mobilization are also important in preventing complications and promoting recovery, but the primary focus should be on treating the infection with antibiotics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Periodontitis is the dental condition characterized by inflammation of the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene practices, leading to plaque buildup and eventually gum disease. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause serious damage to the gum tissue and the underlying bones supporting the teeth, which can eventually result in tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene habits, and professional cleanings are important for preventing and managing periodontitis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a stratified sampling method, the population is divided into subgroups or strata based on certain characteristics that are relevant to the research objective. This allows for representation from each subgroup in the sample, ensuring that different segments of the population are taken into account.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The independent variable in an experiment is the variable that is manipulated or determined by the researcher. In this hypothesis, the nurse is suggesting that the age of the patient (elderly vs. younger) influences the aggressiveness of treatment received. Therefore, the age of the patient is the independent variable in this scenario. The dependent variable would be the degree of treatment received, as it is expected to be influenced by the independent variable, which is the age of the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Support in maintaining a sense of control is essential in keeping the patient calm during labor. Giving the patient a sense of control allows them to feel empowered and more in charge of their experience. This can help reduce anxiety and fear, ultimately promoting a more positive and calm labor experience. Providing emotional support by assisting the patient in maintaining control can greatly benefit their overall emotional well-being during this stressful time.