A nurse is preparing to assist with a thoracentesis procedure for a patient with pleural effusion. What action should the nurse prioritize to ensure procedural safety?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Confirming the patient's informed consent before the procedure is the most crucial action for the nurse to prioritize to ensure procedural safety during a thoracentesis. Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement that ensures the patient understands the purpose of the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. By confirming informed consent, the nurse ensures that the patient has the necessary information and has willingly agreed to undergo the procedure. This process promotes patient autonomy, prevents misunderstandings, and reduces the likelihood of legal issues related to the procedure. Additionally, verifying informed consent helps establish a foundation of trust between the healthcare team and the patient. While other actions like positioning the patient correctly and ensuring pre-procedure antibiotics may also contribute to the safety of the procedure, obtaining informed consent is the foundational step that must be prioritized.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When managing a patient with a suspected heat stroke, the appropriate action is to remove the patient from the hot environment and start cooling the body. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Cooling the body is essential to lower the core body temperature as quickly as possible. Ice packs should not be directly applied to the skin as they can cause vasoconstriction and may actually hinder heat dissipation. Administering warm intravenous fluids and encouraging the patient to drink cold water rapidly are also not recommended in the initial management of a heat stroke. The priority is to cool the patient down and seek medical attention immediately.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a premalignant condition of the cervix that is characterized by the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. HPV infection is a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. CIN is typically detected on routine cervical screening tests such as Pap smears or HPV testing. If left untreated, CIN can progress to invasive cervical cancer. Therefore, the presence of high-risk HPV types in CIN lesions indicates an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nonverbal communication consists of gestures, facial expressions, body language, posture, tone of voice, touch, and eye contact, among other behaviors. Option C, words representing an object, refers to verbal communication rather than nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is the behavior that accompanies verbal communication, providing additional layers of meaning and adding context to the spoken words. Therefore, words representing an object are not indicators of nonverbal communication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The lesson that can be gained from this scenario is that every protocol must be followed. In this situation, failure to replace the defective electric fan immediately and having a missing fire extinguisher directly led to the fire escalating and causing significant damage. By ensuring that all safety protocols and procedures are followed promptly and consistently, potential hazards and risks can be mitigated or prevented. It is crucial for employees to understand the importance of adhering to established protocols in order to maintain a safe working environment and prevent accidents or emergencies.