A patient in the ICU develops acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by worsening dyspnea and increased sputum production. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's exacerbation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiate non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for respiratory support. In acute exacerbations of COPD, NIPPV helps improve ventilation and oxygenation, reducing the work of breathing and preventing the need for intubation. This intervention is a priority as it can rapidly stabilize the patient's respiratory status. A: Administering bronchodilator medications is important in COPD management, but in severe exacerbations, NIPPV takes precedence. C: Arterial blood gas analysis is important for assessing oxygenation and ventilation status, but it does not directly address the acute respiratory distress. D: Chest physiotherapy can help with airway clearance in COPD, but in acute exacerbations, respiratory support with NIPPV is more urgent.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: establish a credit body of evidence to support and improve the delivery of care. Conducting research in nursing aims to generate a robust evidence base to inform and enhance the quality of care provided to patients. This evidence helps in identifying best practices, improving patient outcomes, and advancing the nursing profession as a whole. Choice A is incorrect because the main goal of research is not to solely justify the role of nurses, but rather to improve care delivery. Choice C is incorrect as the goal is not to justify an oversupply of nurses, but to address healthcare needs effectively. Choice D is incorrect because the focus of nursing research is on nursing-related issues, not non-nursing problems.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is correct as keeping the ulcer covered with a sterile dressing provides a barrier against pathogens, promoting wound healing and preventing infection. A (topical antibiotics) can lead to resistance and disrupt normal flora. B (daily wound debridement) may introduce pathogens and delay healing. D (oral antibiotics prophylactically) is not recommended without evidence of infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To provide a patent airway. When caring for a patient with a tracheostomy, ensuring a clear and unobstructed airway is the top priority to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. This involves suctioning, maintaining proper tube placement, and monitoring for any signs of respiratory distress. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the immediate need for airway management, which is crucial for the patient's safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Confirming the patient's identity ensures the right patient is receiving the intended procedure. 2. Verifying the procedure site using two identifiers prevents errors in site selection. 3. This step aligns with the World Health Organization's Surgical Safety Checklist, reducing the risk of wrong-site procedures. 4. Positioning, sedation, and local anesthesia are important but secondary to ensuring the correct patient and site. Summary: - Option B: Positioning is essential but not the top priority for procedural accuracy. - Option C: Sedation aims to minimize discomfort but does not guarantee procedural accuracy. - Option D: Administering local anesthesia is crucial but not as critical as confirming patient identity and procedure site.