A nurse is preparing to perform a tracheostomy tube change for a patient. What action should the nurse prioritize to ensure patient safety during the procedure?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize using sterile technique during the tracheostomy tube change to ensure patient safety. Tracheostomy procedures involve a direct entry into the airway, making it crucial to prevent infection and reduce the risk of complications. Sterile technique, including proper hand hygiene, wearing sterile gloves, and using sterile equipment, helps minimize the introduction of pathogens into the patient's airway, reducing the risk of infection. By maintaining a sterile field, the nurse can protect the patient from potential harm and promote a successful outcome of the tracheostomy tube change.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ensuring the availability of emergency equipment and resuscitation medications is crucial to prioritize patient safety during a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) procedure. TEE involves inserting a specialized probe (transducer) into the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart. While complications during TEE are rare, they can include adverse reactions to sedation, esophageal injury, arrhythmias, or other cardiac events. By having emergency equipment and resuscitation medications readily available, the healthcare team can respond promptly to any unforeseen complications or emergencies that may arise during the procedure, ensuring optimal patient safety. Placing the patient in a supine position, providing sedation, and advising the patient to fast before the procedure are important aspects of the TEE process; however, ensuring emergency preparedness takes precedence in prioritizing patient safety during the procedure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of a pruritic rash with linear streaks and small, fluid-filled blisters following exposure to poison ivy is characteristic of allergic contact dermatitis. Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol, which is known to cause this type of skin reaction in individuals who are sensitive to it. The linear streaks are often a result of the plant brushing against the skin. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune condition characterized by the formation of intraepidermal blisters, typically not associated with linear streaks or exposure to irritants like poison ivy. Bullous pemphigoid is characterized by subepidermal blisters, and herpes zoster presents with a painful rash following reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in a dermatomal pattern, not typically in linear streaks.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation described in the question is characteristic of tinea versicolor, a fungal skin infection caused by Malassezia furfur. The hypopigmented macules with fine scaling are often seen on the trunk and proximal extremities, particularly in areas that are more prone to sebum production. Patients with tinea versicolor may have a history of sun exposure and outdoor activities as the organism responsible for the infection thrives in warm, humid environments. Treatment typically involves the use of topical antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the poxvirus. It typically presents as multiple, flesh-colored, dome-shaped papules with a central umbilication (dimple or depression in the center) on the skin. These lesions are often found on the trunk and extremities and can persist for several months. Molluscum contagiosum is commonly seen in children but can also occur in adults, especially those with weakened immune systems. The lesions are usually asymptomatic but can become inflamed or itchy in some cases. Treatment options include observation, topical therapies, cryotherapy, or curettage.