A patient has informed the home health nurse that she has recently noticed distortions when she looks at the Amsler grid that she has mounted on her refrigerator. What is the nurses most appropriate action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the home health nurse to take in this situation where a patient reports distortions when looking at an Amsler grid is to arrange for the patient to be assessed for macular degeneration. Distortions in straight lines on an Amsler grid are a common early symptom of macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition that affects central vision. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, making assessment and early intervention crucial in preserving vision. It is important for the nurse to take the patient's symptoms seriously and facilitate timely evaluation and management to prevent further vision loss. This would involve referring the patient to an ophthalmologist or an eye care specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Edema of the extremities, face, and sacral area is classified as +3 edema. Edema classified as +1 indicates minimal edema of the lower extremities. Marked edema of the lower extremities is +2 edema. Generalized massive edema (+4) includes the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The preceptor would need to follow up with the new nurse for charting consecutively on every other line. This behavior is incorrect as it can lead to confusion and potential errors in documentation. Correct charting practice involves documenting consecutively, line by line without skipping lines in between. The preceptor should provide guidance and correction to ensure accurate and organized documentation for patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to monitor that all furniture remains in the same position in the hospitalized patient's room. For a patient with impaired vision who needs to create a mental picture of the room to mobilize independently and safely, any changes in the position of furniture can disrupt this mental map and potentially lead to accidents or falls. By ensuring that all furniture remains unchanged, the nurse supports the patient's ability to navigate the room confidently and without obstacles. This monitoring helps promote the patient's safety and independence during their stay in the hospital.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's frustration with chronic nasal congestion, anosmia, and inability to concentrate indicates difficulty coping with the long-term nature of her condition and the impact it has on her daily life. Additionally, her desire for relief suggests a need for environmental modifications to help manage her symptoms. This nursing diagnosis encompasses the patient's emotional response to her condition, as well as the potential need for changes in her surroundings to better support her health and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take when observing the surgical dressing saturated with serosanguineous drainage is to reinforce the dressing and reassess in 1 to 2 hours. Serosanguineous discharge is a common type of drainage following surgery, as it is a mixture of blood and serum. It is expected in the early stages of wound healing and does not necessarily indicate infection. By reinforcing the dressing and closely monitoring the drainage over the next couple of hours, the nurse can assess if the amount of drainage is decreasing or escalating. If there are any signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or excessive purulent discharge, then the nurse should notify the physician promptly. Until then, it is appropriate to continue observing and managing the drainage within the expected range.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) can cause fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss and increased risk of further infections. Insertion of a ventilation tube, also known as a tympanostomy tube, is a common intervention for children with recurrent AOM. This procedure involves placing a tiny tube through the eardrum to allow ventilation and drainage of fluid from the middle ear. Ventilation tubes help equalize pressure, prevent fluid buildup, and reduce the frequency of ear infections. It can improve hearing and decrease the likelihood of future episodes of AOM. Ossiculoplasty, insertion of a cochlear implant, and stapedectomy are not indicated for recurrent AOM.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: One of the key advantages associated with a nursing clinical information system is the reduction of errors of omission. By using an electronic system that prompts for required data entry and ensures completeness of documentation, nurses are less likely to miss important information, leading to improved patient care and safety. This advantage helps in promoting efficient communication among healthcare providers and contributes to better decision-making processes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis shows marked improvement during pregnancy, although the reason for this is not entirely clear. The improvement is often significant, leading to relief from symptoms for many pregnant individuals with this condition. However, it's important to note that this improvement is temporary, as relapse typically occurs within 36 months postpartum. The exact mechanisms behind this temporary improvement are not fully understood, but hormones and changes in the immune system during pregnancy are believed to play a role in modifying the disease process.