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: B

Rationale: Gingivitis is a dental condition characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gingival tissues. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene leading to the accumulation of bacterial plaque along the gumline. The plaque contains bacteria that release toxins, leading to inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. Regular dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene practices, and professional treatment can help manage and prevent gingivitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The palliative nurse's most appropriate response in this scenario is to offer empathetic listening and explore the patient's concerns about the future. By providing a compassionate and supportive environment for the patient to express their fears and anxieties, the nurse can help the patient feel heard and understood. This approach allows the nurse to address the patient's emotional needs and provide appropriate support to help them cope with their feelings. Avoiding discussions or minimizing the patient's concerns may invalidate their emotions and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Encouraging distraction techniques or focusing solely on positive thoughts may not address the underlying fears and anxieties that the patient is experiencing. Therefore, offering empathetic listening and exploring the patient's concerns is the most appropriate way for the nurse to provide holistic care for the patient with advanced heart failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Immunity that the baby gets from the immune mother through breastfeeding is considered passive natural immunity. This is because the baby receives pre-formed antibodies from the mother's breast milk, providing temporary protection until the baby's own immune system is fully developed. This type of immunity is passive since the baby does not produce its antibodies, and it is considered natural because it happens through a natural process of breastfeeding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Creating a conducive time and place for the teachings is crucial during the implementation process to ensure better assimilation by the staff. By choosing a suitable time that does not clash with other responsibilities and providing a comfortable environment for learning, the nurse can enhance the staff's understanding and retention of the teachings. This approach helps in engaging the staff effectively and facilitating a productive learning experience.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. In this condition, lymphocytic infiltration and germinal centers can be seen in the thyroid tissue. This inflammation can lead to the formation of thyroid nodules and enlargement of the thyroid gland, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and breathing due to compression of surrounding structures. Additionally, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can result in hypothyroidism over time, further contributing to the symptoms. Therefore, the patient in this case is most likely experiencing these symptoms due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Graves' disease, on the other hand, typically presents with hyperthyroidism and is less likely to manifest as compressive symptoms of the thyroid gland.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is experiencing refractory hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation, indicating the presence of septic shock. In septic shock, systemic vasodilation and vascular hyporesponsiveness contribute to hypotension. Therefore, the primary management approach is to restore vascular tone and blood pressure to maintain organ perfusion. Administering vasopressor medications (Choice A) is the crucial intervention to achieve this goal. Vasopressors, such as norepinephrine or vasopressin, constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure, helping to stabilize the patient in septic shock. While options B and C (performing blood cultures and initiating broad-spectrum antibiotics) are important for identifying the causative pathogen and treating the infection, they are secondary to the immediate need for hemodynamic support in septic shock. Prophylactic anticoagulation (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When administering Rilutek (riluzole), the medication should be taken with food. This is because taking Rilutek with food helps to reduce the likelihood of experiencing stomach upset as a side effect. Administering the medication on an empty stomach may increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Therefore, it is recommended to administer Rilutek with food to ensure better tolerability for the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A descriptive case study design is the most suitable approach when Nurse Carmi decides to make an in-depth study of only one subject of domestic violence. This design involves a comprehensive and detailed exploration of a single individual or a specific situation, allowing for an in-depth analysis of various aspects related to the subject. Since Nurse Carmi is focusing on studying only one subject, a case study design will enable her to gather detailed information, delve deep into the complexities of the individual's experiences, behaviors, and outcomes related to domestic violence. This design will provide a rich and holistic understanding of the single case being studied, offering valuable insights and potential implications for practice and intervention strategies.