A patient is prescribed a beta-blocker for the management of migraine headaches. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors in the body. One common adverse effect of beta-blockers is bradycardia, or a slowed heart rate. Since the patient is being prescribed a beta-blocker for migraine headaches, it is important for the nurse to monitor closely for signs and symptoms of bradycardia such as dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Monitoring the heart rate regularly and reporting any significant decrease to the healthcare provider is essential to prevent complications associated with bradycardia. Compared to the other options, bradycardia is the most relevant adverse effect to monitor in a patient prescribed a beta-blocker.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, it is crucial for the nurse to inform the surgeon immediately and request corrective action. Maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures is essential to prevent infections and ensure patient safety. Any break in sterile technique should be addressed promptly to prevent any potential harm to the patient. By informing the surgeon immediately, corrective action can be taken promptly to maintain the sterility of the surgical field and minimize the risk of complications. Reporting the incident to the surgeon also allows for immediate intervention and re-education of the team member involved in the break in sterile technique.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient's temperature is dropping below the normal range during surgery, the nurse should prioritize actively warming the patient to prevent hypothermia. Administering a warming blanket or using a forced-air warming device are effective methods to increase the patient's body temperature and prevent any complications that may arise from hypothermia. Increasing the ambient room temperature can help, but it may not be as direct or effective as applying targeted heat sources to the patient. Documenting the temperature trend in the patient's chart is important for record-keeping purposes, but immediate action to address the dropping temperature is necessary. Continuously monitoring the patient's temperature closely is important, but action should be taken promptly to prevent further decline.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choosing option C, asking the patient about their cultural beliefs and preferences related to pain, demonstrates cultural competence in pain assessment. Pain experiences can vary greatly across different cultures, and a patient's cultural background can influence how they perceive and express pain. By inquiring about the patient's cultural beliefs and preferences, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the patient's perspective on pain. This information is crucial for providing individualized and culturally sensitive pain management interventions. It also shows respect for the patient's unique cultural background and helps build a trusting and collaborative relationship between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse is delegating tasks to a nursing assistant, the principle that should guide the nurse's delegation decisions is assigning tasks based on the assistant's level of experience (Option B). It is essential to take into consideration the skills, competencies, and experience level of the nursing assistant to ensure that the tasks delegated are suitable for them to perform safely and effectively. Delegating tasks beyond the assistant's level of experience may result in errors, inefficiencies, or compromised patient care. Therefore, matching tasks with the assistant's experience level is crucial in successful delegation and providing quality patient care.