A nurse teaches a client to use a room humidifier after a laryngectomy. Which statement would the nurse include in this patient's teaching?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Make sure you clean the humidifier to prevent infection. This is important because a dirty humidifier can harbor bacteria and mold, leading to respiratory infections in a laryngectomy patient who is already at a higher risk of respiratory complications. Cleaning the humidifier regularly helps maintain a safe and healthy environment for the patient. Incorrect choices: A: Adding peppermint oil can irritate the airway and is not recommended for laryngectomy patients. C: Keeping the humidifier filled with water at all times can lead to bacterial growth if the water is not changed regularly. D: Using the humidifier constantly can lead to over-humidification, which can also increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) Emphasize the completion of the entire course of drug therapy for a client with empyema. Empyema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, often secondary to a lung infection. Completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics is crucial in treating empyema to ensure eradication of the infectious organism and prevent recurrence or development of antibiotic resistance. Option A) Teaching the client breathing exercises is a good practice for respiratory conditions but is not specifically targeted at treating empyema itself. Option B) Offering assurance that empyema takes less time to resolve is incorrect as empyema requires appropriate medical treatment and time for resolution. Option C) Recommending a balanced but light diet is important for overall health but is not a primary intervention for empyema treatment. In an educational context, understanding the importance of completing the entire course of drug therapy in conditions like empyema reinforces the principles of antimicrobial stewardship, patient compliance, and effective management of infectious diseases. This rationale highlights the critical role of adherence to treatment protocols in achieving optimal patient outcomes and preventing complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct immediate intervention is option D, where the RN orders a chest x-ray to verify the correct placement of the tube. This action is crucial as it provides definitive confirmation of the tube's placement in the respiratory system, ensuring that the client's safety is not compromised. Option A is a standard nursing practice to assess for bilateral breath sounds and symmetrical chest movement, which is important for monitoring respiratory status but does not require immediate intervention. Option B, auscultating over the stomach to rule out esophageal intubation, is incorrect as it is not a recommended method for verifying tube placement. It can lead to misinterpretation and potential harm to the client. Option C, marking the tube at a specific distance from the incisor tooth or nares, is a standard practice for initial tube placement but does not provide definitive confirmation of correct placement, hence not requiring immediate intervention. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers to prioritize actions that ensure patient safety. Ordering a chest x-ray for tube verification is a critical step in preventing potential complications associated with incorrect tube placement, such as aspiration or inadequate oxygenation. This question highlights the importance of following evidence-based practices and utilizing appropriate interventions in clinical settings to promote patient well-being.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the four-drug treatment regimen for the initial phase of tuberculosis (TB), the correct medication is Rifabutin (Mycobutin) (Option D). Rifabutin is a key component in treating TB due to its bactericidal effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. It helps prevent the development of drug resistance and is particularly useful in patients with HIV co-infection due to its lower interaction with antiretroviral medications compared to Rifampin. Isoniazid (INH) (Option A) is another essential drug in TB treatment, but it is typically used in combination with other medications like Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol for a standard four-drug regimen. Pyrazinamide (PZA) (Option C) is also commonly included in the initial phase of TB treatment due to its sterilizing activity against M. tuberculosis in acidic environments like the lungs. Rifampin (Rifadin) (Option B) is usually part of the standard four-drug regimen for TB treatment. However, in this specific scenario, Rifabutin is the preferred choice, especially in patients with HIV, due to its favorable drug interaction profile with antiretrovirals. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the selection of medications in TB treatment is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively manage patients with TB. It is essential to consider factors like drug interactions, patient comorbidities, and regional guidelines when choosing the most appropriate medications for TB therapy. By grasping the specifics of each medication and its role in treatment, healthcare professionals can optimize patient care and outcomes in TB management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that is inherited when both parents are carriers of the defective gene. Given that the patient has a parent with the disease, there is a higher likelihood that she may have inherited the genetic mutation responsible for cystic fibrosis. This condition primarily affects the lungs, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways and predispose the individual to recurrent lung infections. Option A) COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease typically associated with long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke and is more commonly seen in older individuals. Asthma (Option B) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that can be triggered by various factors like allergens or exercise, and it usually presents at a younger age. Option D) α-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a genetic disorder that can lead to early-onset emphysema but is less likely in this case as cystic fibrosis is a more common obstructive lung disease in younger individuals with a family history of the disease. In an educational context, understanding the genetic basis of cystic fibrosis and the clinical presentation of various obstructive pulmonary diseases is crucial for healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment and management strategies for patients. It also highlights the importance of genetic counseling and testing in families with a history of genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis.