A patient in the clinic with cystic fibrosis (CF) reports increased sweating and weakness during the summer months. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is option B, which is to have the patient add dietary salt to meals. In cystic fibrosis (CF), there is an increased loss of salt in sweat due to dysfunctional chloride channels. This excessive salt loss can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and weakness, especially during hot weather when sweating is increased. Adding dietary salt helps to replenish the lost salt and maintain electrolyte balance, thereby reducing the weakness and other symptoms experienced by the patient. Option A is incorrect because teaching the patient signs of hypoglycemia is not relevant to the symptoms described in the scenario. Option C is also incorrect as decreasing intake of dietary fat and calories would not address the underlying issue of salt loss in CF. Option D, instructing the patient about pancreatic enzyme replacements, is not relevant to the symptoms of increased sweating and weakness described in the scenario. From an educational standpoint, understanding the pathophysiology of CF and its implications on electrolyte balance is essential for providing appropriate care to patients with this condition. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the unique manifestations of CF, such as salt loss in sweat, and understand the importance of dietary modifications to manage symptoms effectively. By choosing the correct option in this scenario, nurses can demonstrate their understanding of CF management and contribute to improving the quality of care for patients with this condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Head elevated. After nasal surgery, it is crucial to position the patient with their head elevated to help reduce nasal swelling and promote proper drainage. This position helps minimize congestion and facilitates adequate airway clearance, promoting optimal oxygenation. Option A) Flat with head turned is incorrect because having the head flat can lead to increased swelling and potential complications due to poor drainage. Turning the head can also disrupt the surgical site and cause discomfort. Option C) Apply nasal packing is incorrect because while nasal packing may be necessary in some cases to control bleeding or provide support, it does not address the specific positioning needed for optimal postoperative care. Option D) Using NSAIDs for pain is incorrect because NSAIDs can increase the risk of postoperative bleeding by interfering with clotting mechanisms. It is important to avoid medications that can compromise the patient's recovery and healing process. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind positioning after nasal surgery is essential for nurses caring for patients postoperatively. By knowing the correct positioning techniques, nurses can help prevent complications, promote optimal healing, and ensure the patient's safety and comfort. This knowledge also demonstrates the nurse's ability to provide evidence-based care and adhere to best practices in postoperative management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Increased tactile fremitus over the area of pulmonary consolidation is expected with bacterial pneumonias. Dullness to percussion would be expected. Pneumococcal pneumonia typically presents with a loose, productive cough. Adventitious breath sounds such as crackles and wheezes are typical. A grating sound is more representative of a pleural friction rub rather than pneumonia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of post-operative care following chest surgery, the correct answer to the question is option A) Atelectasis. Atelectasis refers to the partial or complete collapse of a lung or lobe of a lung, which can occur due to shallow breathing and inadequate ventilation. Frequent deep breathing and coughing exercises are crucial in preventing atelectasis because they help to expand the lungs, improve ventilation, and clear secretions that can lead to lung collapse. These exercises promote lung inflation, maintain airway patency, and prevent the accumulation of mucus in the airways. Option B) Gas exchange issues is incorrect because deep breathing and coughing actually help to improve gas exchange by optimizing ventilation-perfusion matching and preventing areas of the lung from becoming collapsed. Option C) Mobilization delays is incorrect as deep breathing and coughing exercises actually promote early mobilization by preventing respiratory complications that could hinder a patient's ability to move and participate in activities. Option D) Chest tube complications is incorrect because deep breathing and coughing exercises are essential for preventing respiratory complications like atelectasis, pneumonia, and bronchitis, which can occur if secretions are not effectively cleared from the lungs. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the rationale behind post-operative respiratory care interventions to ensure optimal patient outcomes and prevent complications. By emphasizing the importance of deep breathing and coughing exercises in preventing atelectasis, educators can help reinforce best practices in post-operative care and enhance patient safety and recovery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Documenting intake and output. This task can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) because it is a non-invasive, routine task that does not require specialized knowledge or critical thinking skills. UAP are typically trained to accurately measure and record intake and output to help monitor a patient's fluid balance. Option A) Assessing patient symptoms requires critical thinking and clinical judgment, which are skills possessed by licensed nursing personnel. UAP are not trained to assess patient symptoms or make clinical decisions. Option C) Administering medications involves a high level of responsibility and requires knowledge of medication safety, dosage calculations, and potential side effects. This task should only be performed by licensed nursing personnel who have received appropriate training and are authorized to administer medications. Option D) Planning patient care involves developing a comprehensive care plan based on the patient's needs, health status, and treatment goals. This task requires clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to prioritize and coordinate care, all of which are within the scope of practice of licensed nursing personnel. In an educational context, understanding the scope of practice for different healthcare roles is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care. Delegating tasks appropriately ensures that each team member is working within their skill set and training, ultimately promoting patient safety and optimizing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Nurses must be knowledgeable about delegation principles to effectively assign tasks to UAP and other team members while maintaining accountability for patient outcomes.