A patient became seriously ill after a nurse gave him the wrong medication. After his recovery , he filed a lawsuit. Who is MOST likely to be held liable?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In cases where a patient becomes seriously ill or is harmed due to receiving the wrong medication, both the nurse and the hospital are likely to be held liable. The nurse is responsible for administering the correct medication to the patient, and any error in this process can lead to harm. The hospital may also be held liable for the actions of its employees, including nurses, under the legal principle of vicarious liability. Additionally, the hospital has a duty to ensure that proper protocols are in place to prevent medication errors, and failure to do so can lead to liability. Therefore, in this scenario, both the nurse and the hospital are likely to share liability for the patient's harm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The clinical presentation described with fever, headache, maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading to the trunk and extremities, along with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia suggests a likely diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), which is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. The classic symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism (excess hair growth in a male pattern), and acne. Women with PCOS often have enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts. Other common features include obesity, insulin resistance, and infertility. Endometriosis is characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility. Ovarian cancer usually presents with nonspecific symptoms and is less likely in a young woman with these specific symptoms. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure but are less likely to be associated with hirsutism and acne.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A woman experiencing irregular and ineffective uterine contractions with prolonged cervical dilation may indicate labor dystocia, also known as abnormal labor progression. To address this issue, the nursing intervention that should be implemented is to encourage the mother to ambulate and change positions frequently. This can help optimize fetal positioning and encourage descent through the birth canal by using gravity to aid in the progression of labor. Changing positions can also potentially improve the quality and effectiveness of contractions, leading to more successful cervical dilation and labor progress. Encouraging ambulation and position changes are non-invasive, patient-centered interventions that can be helpful in managing labor dystocia before considering more invasive interventions like cesarean section.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Consuming alcohol while on benzodiazepine therapy can increase the central nervous system depressant effects of benzodiazepines, leading to excessive sedation, respiratory depression, and even overdose. It is important for patients to avoid alcohol to prevent these potential dangerous interactions and to ensure the safe and effective use of their medication.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary purpose of splinting a fractured extremity in the pre-hospital setting is to immobilize the injured area in order to prevent further injury. By stabilizing the fracture, splinting helps to reduce movement, which can alleviate pain, prevent additional damage to surrounding tissues, and minimize the risk of causing more harm during transport or while providing care. Splinting also helps to maintain proper alignment of the bones, which is crucial for the healing process and long-term function of the injured limb.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering systemic analgesia, such as pain medications or anesthesia, before the wound debridement procedure is the most effective way to minimize patient discomfort. These medications will help manage and reduce the pain experienced by the patient during the procedure, making it more tolerable for them. Topical anesthetic cream may provide some localized relief but may not be sufficient for significant pain management during a wound debridement procedure. Using sharp debridement techniques or performing the procedure quickly may help reduce manipulation or duration, respectively, but these actions alone may not adequately address the patient's pain and discomfort. Administering systemic analgesia ensures that the patient's overall pain is managed, promoting a more comfortable and successful wound debridement procedure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Medical records are typically required to be retained for a certain period of time as mandated by legal and regulatory requirements. The retention period for medical records is generally between 5 to 10 years, depending on the jurisdiction and specific regulations governing healthcare facilities. Keeping medical records for this duration ensures that they are available for reference, audits, legal purposes, and continuity of care for patients. Storing medical records for an adequate length of time also helps in ensuring continuity of care and tracking patients' medical history over time, which is crucial for quality healthcare delivery. Therefore, storing charts in the Medical Records or storage room for at least 5-10 years aligns with standard practices in healthcare compliance and patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If the nurse notices that the patient's arms are not adequately padded while positioning for surgery, the nurse should immediately take action to prevent pressure injuries. Applying soft padding to the patient's arms will help distribute the pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of skin breakdown and potential harm to the patient during the surgical procedure. It is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and comfort in such situations. Simply proceeding with the positioning as planned could lead to complications, so addressing the inadequate padding promptly is the appropriate course of action.