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: A

Rationale: The patient requiring a dressing change of post-caesarian surgery should be assigned to the midwife because this task involves specialized knowledge and skills related to wound care and post-operative care. Performing a dressing change for a post-caesarian surgery patient requires expertise to ensure proper hygiene, wound healing, and prevention of post-operative complications. This task goes beyond the scope of practice for a nursing assistant and should be done by a healthcare professional with higher qualifications and training, such as a midwife.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Negligence refers to the failure to perform a duty of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In this scenario, the nurse failed to perform an ordered irrigation of a feeding tube, which is a standard nursing duty. This failure to act according to the orders resulted in harm to the patient, indicating negligence on the part of the nurse. Malpractice is a specific type of negligence that occurs when a professional fails to provide the standard level of care, so in this case, it falls under the broader category of negligence. Harm to the patient is the consequence of the nurse's negligence, and failure to follow the nurse practice act may be a contributing factor to the negligence, but the primary issue is the failure to provide proper care - which is negligence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Reviewing and comparing the findings with other researches on the same topic is done mainly by going back to the related literature and studies section of the study. This section provides a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge and research findings related to the topic being studied. By comparing the current findings with what has been previously discovered and reported by other researchers, Nurse Carmi can better analyze and interpret the results within the broader context of the existing body of knowledge. This helps in identifying the significance of the new findings, highlighting potential contributions to the field, and determining areas for further research or discussion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A is the most appropriate nursing intervention to facilitate effective communication with the 80-year-old male patient. This approach involves waiting for the patient to be fully awake before discussing important information about the surgery and potential post-surgery events with both the patient and family. This allows the patient to fully comprehend the information provided and ask any necessary questions. Effective communication is crucial in promoting patient understanding and cooperation, especially in older adults who may require additional time to process information due to factors such as age-related cognitive changes. It is important to ensure that the patient receives clear and accurate information to support their recovery process and reduce anxiety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Nadine's case, one major challenge that a beginning nurse may encounter in her service delivery is related to social determinants of health. Social determinants of health refer to the social and economic conditions that influence individual and group differences in health status. In this scenario, Nadine's bruises, bed-wetting, signs of anxiety, and potentially other health issues are likely influenced by factors such as her living environment, family dynamics, and social support systems. As a nurse, addressing social determinants of health requires a holistic approach that considers not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors affecting the patient's health and well-being. This can be a complex challenge for beginning nurses who may not have as much experience or training in navigating these social determinants of health to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Patient Sonia, who has hypothyroidism, would benefit from treatment with levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and is commonly prescribed to replace the deficient thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism. It helps restore the thyroid hormone levels in the body, relieving symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance that are characteristic of hypothyroidism. Propranolol is a beta-blocker used for conditions like hypertension, anxiety, and migraines; iron pills are used to treat iron deficiency anemia; and iodine supplementation is not typically used in the treatment of hypothyroidism unless it is due to iodine deficiency.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The main goal of ethical practice in the nursing profession, including in the community setting, is centered on the welfare of clients and protecting their rights. Nurses have a professional and ethical obligation to prioritize the well-being and best interests of their patients. This includes providing high-quality care, advocating for their patients, supporting their autonomy, and upholding their rights. Ethical nursing practice is not focused on protecting the nurse or co-workers, preventing reprimand from physicians, or solely meeting the satisfaction of patients' families. Ensuring the welfare and rights of clients is the fundamental ethical principle that guides nursing practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a postpartum client who experienced a perineal laceration and reports pain and discomfort during defecation is to recommend the use of stool softeners or laxatives. Perineal lacerations can lead to pain and discomfort during bowel movements due to the strain that passing stools may cause on the tender area. Stool softeners or laxatives can help soften the stool, making it easier and less painful for the client to have bowel movements. It is important to alleviate the discomfort and promote bowel regularity to prevent complications such as constipation, which can further exacerbate the pain and delay healing of the perineal laceration.