A patient is prescribed an opioid analgesic for postoperative pain management. Which nursing intervention is essential for preventing respiratory depression in the patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring oxygen saturation with pulse oximetry is essential for preventing respiratory depression in a patient prescribed an opioid analgesic. Opioid analgesics can suppress the respiratory drive, leading to respiratory depression. By constantly monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation levels with pulse oximetry, nurses can promptly detect any signs of respiratory depression and intervene early to prevent serious complications. This allows for timely adjustments in the medication dosage or administration of other supportive measures to maintain adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory compromise. Administering naloxone prophylactically may be necessary in case of an opioid overdose but is not typically done as a preventive measure. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can help prevent respiratory complications postoperatively but may not be sufficient in the presence of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Administering bronchodilators as needed is not directly related to preventing respiratory depression caused by opioid analgesics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In a situation where a patient with terminal cancer is experiencing severe pain despite receiving analgesics, consulting with a pain management specialist is the most appropriate intervention. Pain management specialists have expertise in managing complex pain situations, especially in cases of terminal illness where pain control is crucial for improving quality of life. The specialist can review the current pain management plan, suggest alternative or adjunct therapies, adjust medication dosages, or explore different types of analgesics to optimize pain relief for the patient. Collaborating with a pain management specialist can help ensure the patient receives the most effective and personalized pain management approach tailored to their specific needs. Increasing the dose of analgesics, administering a different type of analgesic, or recommending non-pharmacological techniques may be appropriate interventions but should be guided by a specialist to ensure safe and effective pain management in a palliative care setting.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of umbilical cord prolapse, the priority nursing action is to prepare for an immediate cesarean section. Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious obstetric emergency where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the presenting part of the fetus. This can lead to compression of the cord, compromising fetal blood flow and oxygenation. Immediate delivery via cesarean section is necessary in order to prevent fetal hypoxia and avoid potential complications such as brain damage or death. Elevating the mother's hips or administering intravenous fluids rapidly may be interventions done in conjunction with preparing for a cesarean section, but the priority remains expedited delivery of the baby. Applying external fetal monitoring is not the most appropriate action in this emergency situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Warming up ofloxacin eardrops before administering is done to prevent dizziness, which can occur if a cold solution is placed in the ear. Holding the bottle with hands for about 1 to 2 minutes is usually sufficient to warm up the solution to a comfortable temperature for the patient. Warming the solution for too long, such as 5-6 minutes, may not be necessary and could potentially waste time. So, the correct duration for warming up ofloxacin eardrops is 1 to 2 minutes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pain is best described as a subjective unpleasant experience because it is unique to each individual and is influenced by a variety of factors including emotional, psychological, and cultural elements. Pain cannot be objectively measured or quantified, and therefore it is considered a subjective experience that is reported by the person experiencing it. This is why pain is often assessed using self-report scales and tools to capture the individual's perception of their pain intensity and quality.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The recommended position for a conscious patient experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation is the High-Fowler's position. This position involves the patient sitting upright or almost upright at about a 90-degree angle. The High-Fowler's position helps improve ventilation by expanding the lungs and maximizing airflow in and out of the airways. It also reduces the work of breathing in patients with asthma by allowing gravity to assist in moving air in and out of the lungs more easily. Additionally, this position can help alleviate shortness of breath and improve oxygenation in patients experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to osteoporosis, which is a common complication. Osteoporosis causes weakening of the bones, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones such as the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporotic fractures are a significant concern in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, highlighting the importance of monitoring bone health and considering preventive measures such as calcium, Vitamin D supplementation, and regular bone density testing. While osteonecrosis of the femoral head and avascular necrosis of the talus can also occur as complications of corticosteroid use, osteoporotic fractures are more commonly associated with this type of therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Septic arthritis, on the other hand, is not directly related to corticosteroid use but can occur due to other factors such as joint infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The core public health function of assessment involves systematic data collection on the population's health status, monitoring changes in health, and making information available to the public. In this context, collecting data and monitoring the health status of the population directly aligns with the assessment function of public health. Quality assurance focuses on ensuring that health services meet established standards, policy development involves creating policies to address public health issues, and health promotion involves empowering individuals to improve their health. While these functions are also essential in public health, the act of collecting data and monitoring health status specifically falls under the assessment core function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to ensure patient safety during a bedside bronchoscopy procedure is to obtain informed consent from the patient or their legal representative. Informed consent is a vital ethical and legal requirement before any medical procedure. It ensures that the patient understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure, as well as gives the patient the authority to make decisions about their healthcare. By obtaining informed consent, the nurse ensures that the patient has been properly informed and agrees to undergo the bronchoscopy, which promotes patient autonomy and safety. Administering sedation, using topical anesthesia, and restricting food intake are also important aspects of bronchoscopy preparation, but obtaining informed consent is the primary action to prioritize patient safety.