Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The first action that the nurse should take when caring for a patient experiencing diarrhea is to ask the patient to describe the number and character of daily stools. This assessment is crucial in determining the severity and possible cause of the diarrhea. By understanding the frequency and consistency of the stools, the nurse can evaluate if the diarrhea is due to an infection, a reaction to medications, dietary factors, or other underlying health issues. Based on this assessment, appropriate interventions can then be implemented, which may include further diagnostic tests, fluid replacement therapy, dietary modifications, or medication administration. It is essential to gather this information first before considering other interventions such as abstaining from oral intake or using over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When addressing a client's non-adherence to treatment, a nonjudgmental approach is most effective. This involves showing empathy, understanding, and support without criticizing or condemning the client. By adopting a nonjudgmental attitude, the nurse can create a safe environment for open communication and collaboration to explore the reasons behind the client's non-adherence. This approach helps build trust and rapport, which are essential for promoting positive behavior change and improving treatment adherence. In contrast, being indifferent, demanding, or confrontational can lead to defensiveness, resistance, and further non-adherence in the client.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: For a client with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) who is at risk for Impaired Skin Integrity, keeping the skin clean and dry, and moisturizing areas of dryness is crucial. Patients with PVD often have compromised circulation to the extremities, which can lead to decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and impaired wound healing. Proper skin care helps prevent skin breakdown, decreases the risk of infection, and promotes overall skin health. Keeping the skin clean and dry helps prevent skin breakdown, while moisturizing areas of dryness helps maintain skin integrity. This intervention focuses on maintaining skin health and preventing complications associated with compromised circulation in patients with PVD.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the client is experiencing joint pain due to the formation of microthrombi which can lead to ischemia and inflammation within the joints. Heat application is appropriate as it can help improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation of the joints. Heat helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can aid in reducing pain and stiffness in the joints. Additionally, heat can also help to soothe the inflamed tissues and promote comfort for the client. Splints, cool compresses, and ice are not appropriate interventions for joint pain in DIC and may not provide the same level of relief as heat therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The first action that the nurse should take when caring for a patient experiencing diarrhea is to ask the patient to describe the number and character of daily stools. This assessment is crucial in determining the severity and possible cause of the diarrhea. By understanding the frequency and consistency of the stools, the nurse can evaluate if the diarrhea is due to an infection, a reaction to medications, dietary factors, or other underlying health issues. Based on this assessment, appropriate interventions can then be implemented, which may include further diagnostic tests, fluid replacement therapy, dietary modifications, or medication administration. It is essential to gather this information first before considering other interventions such as abstaining from oral intake or using over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications.