A nurse is teaching a patient how to manage allergic rhinitis. What is the most important point to include?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Identify and avoid environmental triggers. This is the most important point because it addresses the root cause of allergic rhinitis, which is exposure to allergens. By identifying and avoiding triggers such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, the patient can effectively manage their symptoms. Using oral antihistamines preemptively (choice A) may provide some relief, but does not address the underlying cause. Washing hands frequently (choice C) is important for preventing infections but not directly related to managing allergic rhinitis. Limiting corticosteroid nasal sprays (choice D) is incorrect as they are commonly used and effective in managing allergic rhinitis symptoms without significant systemic effects when used as directed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess lung sounds for crackles. This is the priority nursing action because the patient's worsening fatigue and shortness of breath may indicate developing pneumonia, a common complication of influenza. Assessing lung sounds for crackles helps in identifying any signs of respiratory distress or infection, which require immediate intervention. Encouraging rest and fluid intake (choice A) is important but not the priority in this case. Providing supportive oxygen therapy (choice C) may be necessary based on assessment findings but should come after assessing lung sounds. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (choice D) is important but assessing the patient's condition first is crucial for prompt intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing oxygen saturation and lung sounds is crucial in determining the patient's respiratory status. This helps identify potential complications like pneumothorax or atelectasis, which are common after thoracotomy. Deep breaths (A) can worsen conditions like pneumothorax. Notifying the healthcare provider (B) may delay immediate action. Administering bronchodilators (D) is not appropriate without a comprehensive assessment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sitting upright and leaning forward. This position allows optimal lung expansion and better access to the pleural effusion, making the procedure safer and more effective. Conversely, A (supine) can cause difficulty in accessing the effusion, C (on the side opposite) may not provide adequate lung expansion, and D (prone) can hinder access to the effusion and increase the risk of complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adherence to the full course of prescribed medications. This is the priority teaching point because adherence to the full course of TB medications is crucial to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains. Skipping doses or stopping treatment prematurely can lead to treatment failure and the spread of TB. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding contact with family members during treatment is not necessary as TB is not spread through casual contact. Choice C is incorrect as completing follow-up skin tests every six months is not the priority teaching point, although it may be part of the follow-up care plan. Choice D is incorrect as using a surgical mask when going outdoors is not necessary unless the patient is actively coughing and symptomatic.