A nurse is preparing to perform a urinary catheterization for a patient. What action should the nurse take to ensure proper insertion technique?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to ensure proper insertion technique during a urinary catheterization is to use aseptic technique and sterile equipment. This is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. Aseptic technique involves maintaining cleanliness and preventing the introduction of harmful microorganisms during invasive procedures like catheterization. Using sterile equipment helps minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, which could lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Therefore, it is essential that the nurse follows strict infection control protocols and uses sterile equipment to maintain patient safety and well-being during the catheterization procedure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize ensuring proper zeroing and calibration of the ICP monitoring system to ensure procedural accuracy and reliability of the measurements obtained. Proper zeroing involves setting the transducer at the level of the patient's external auditory meatus (ear), which serves as a reference point for accurate ICP readings. Calibration is necessary to establish accurate pressure measurements. Incorrect zeroing or calibration can lead to inaccurate ICP readings, which can impact clinical decision-making for patients with traumatic brain injury. Positioning the patient in a high-Fowler's position, administering prophylactic antibiotics, or placing the ICP monitor in the subarachnoid space via lumbar puncture are not directly related to ensuring the accuracy of the ICP monitoring procedure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's presentation of well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with silvery scales on the trunk and extensor surfaces of the limbs is classic for psoriasis. Additionally, the family history of similar skin lesions further supports the diagnosis of psoriasis, as it is a condition with a genetic predisposition. Pityriasis rosea typically presents with a herald patch followed by oval, scaly lesions in a Christmas tree pattern. Erythema multiforme is characterized by target-like lesions. Lichen planus presents as purple, polygonal, flat-topped papules that may have fine white lines on their surface known as Wickham striae.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation described, including a well-demarcated, hyperpigmented patch with irregular borders, asymmetric color distribution, and increase in size over a short period, is concerning for melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. The irregular borders, color variation, and growth over time are classic signs of melanoma. Melanomas are potentially dangerous and should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is important to distinguish melanoma from other benign lesions like melanocytic nevus (mole), lentigo simplex, and seborrheic keratosis, as early detection and treatment of melanoma can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of well-demarcated, hypopigmented macules with fine scaling on the trunk and proximal extremities is classic for tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia spp., which leads to hypo- or hyperpigmented patches on the skin. The condition often occurs in individuals with increased sebum production due to factors such as hot and humid climates, sweating, and oily skin. History of sun exposure and outdoor activities is also commonly reported by patients with tinea versicolor. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications applied topically or taken orally to eliminate the fungus. Differentiating tinea versicolor from other skin conditions, such as vitiligo, pityriasis rosea, or seborrheic keratosis, is important for appropriate management.