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: D

Rationale: Coordinating with radiology or gastroenterology for procedural guidance is crucial to ensure the success of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion. This procedure is typically performed under endoscopic guidance to ensure proper placement of the tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall. Radiology or gastroenterology professionals are trained to perform and guide the insertion procedure, making their involvement essential for a successful outcome. Additionally, their expertise helps minimize the risk of complications during and after the PEG tube placement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Erythema multiforme is a skin condition characterized by the sudden onset of a target-like rash with concentric erythematous rings and central clearing on the trunk and extremities. It typically presents with a distinctive "iris" or "bull's eye" pattern. Erythema multiforme is often triggered by exposure to certain medications, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and other drugs. The rash is usually accompanied by symptoms like fever, malaise, and joint pain. It is important to identify and discontinue the offending medication causing the reaction in cases of drug-induced erythema multiforme.

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: C

Rationale: Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on the vocal cords, typically caused by vocal abuse or misuse. The most appropriate intervention for managing vocal cord nodules is voice therapy and vocal hygiene education. Voice therapy aims to correct vocal habits and techniques that contribute to the formation of nodules, while vocal hygiene education focuses on maintaining vocal health through proper hydration, rest, and avoiding behaviors that strain the vocal cords. These interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing and eliminating vocal cord nodules without the need for surgical intervention. Surgery, such as vocal cord polypectomy or injection with corticosteroids, is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative management or if there are significant complications. Partial laryngectomy is a more extensive surgical procedure that is not typically indicated for vocal cord nodules.