A patient presents with hoarseness, dysphonia, and occasional throat pain. Direct laryngoscopy reveals vocal cord nodules. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for managing this condition?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on the vocal cords, typically caused by vocal abuse or misuse. The most appropriate intervention for managing vocal cord nodules is voice therapy and vocal hygiene education. Voice therapy aims to correct vocal habits and techniques that contribute to the formation of nodules, while vocal hygiene education focuses on maintaining vocal health through proper hydration, rest, and avoiding behaviors that strain the vocal cords. These interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing and eliminating vocal cord nodules without the need for surgical intervention. Surgery, such as vocal cord polypectomy or injection with corticosteroids, is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative management or if there are significant complications. Partial laryngectomy is a more extensive surgical procedure that is not typically indicated for vocal cord nodules.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse's actions exemplify negligence. Negligence is a failure to provide reasonable care that results in harm to a patient. In this scenario, the nurse failed to unclamp the patient's indwelling urinary catheter as instructed by the healthcare provider. This failure to follow proper procedure led to the patient developing a urinary tract infection, which could have been prevented if the nurse had acted with reasonable care. This action does not meet the criteria for malpractice, assault, or battery as those involve intentional harm or professional misconduct, whereas negligence involves a lack of appropriate care or attention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The priority intervention to manage respiratory infection in a patient with VAP is the administration of appropriate antibiotics to target and eliminate the causative pathogens. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually initiated empirically to cover a wide range of potential pathogens commonly associated with VAP, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter species. Timely initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial in improving outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with VAP. Other interventions like endotracheal suctioning, oral hygiene measures, and early mobilization are also important in preventing complications and promoting recovery, but the primary focus should be on treating the infection with antibiotics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe condition characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs leading to increased pulmonary vascular permeability, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. In ARDS, the alveolar-capillary barrier is disrupted, resulting in fluid accumulation in the alveoli and impaired gas exchange.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A nurse can be charged with negligence when they give the patient the wrong medication. Negligence in healthcare typically refers to a situation where a healthcare provider fails to provide a standard level of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Giving the wrong medication can lead to serious consequences for the patient, including adverse reactions, worsening of the condition, or even death. It is a clear violation of the duty of care that a nurse owes to their patients, and such a mistake can have legal and professional repercussions for the nurse.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The palliative nurse's most appropriate response in this scenario is to offer empathetic listening and explore the patient's concerns about the future. By providing a compassionate and supportive environment for the patient to express their fears and anxieties, the nurse can help the patient feel heard and understood. This approach allows the nurse to address the patient's emotional needs and provide appropriate support to help them cope with their feelings. Avoiding discussions or minimizing the patient's concerns may invalidate their emotions and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Encouraging distraction techniques or focusing solely on positive thoughts may not address the underlying fears and anxieties that the patient is experiencing. Therefore, offering empathetic listening and exploring the patient's concerns is the most appropriate way for the nurse to provide holistic care for the patient with advanced heart failure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nursing programs that are based on needs assessment and needs analysis are meant to provide education and training to current or aspiring nurses according to specific needs within the healthcare system. These programs are usually foundational education programs that are essential for producing competent and skilled nurses. Offering such programs for free ensures that individuals with a passion for nursing but limited financial resources can access quality education and training opportunities. This helps in bridging the gap in the healthcare workforce and ultimately contributes to the overall health and well-being of the population.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of collaboration is to accomplish shared goals and objectives. When individuals work together towards a common purpose, they can combine their different skills, perspectives, and resources to achieve outcomes that could not be accomplished by working alone. Collaborating enables team members to leverage each other's strengths and expertise, leading to more innovative and effective solutions. While camaraderie and efficiency are important aspects of collaboration, the ultimate aim is to successfully achieve the desired goals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the patient for respiratory distress is the important nursing intervention that must be done in this situation. The scenario provided indicates that the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing increased work of breathing, which puts them at risk for respiratory distress. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the patient's respiratory status closely, including assessing their oxygen saturations, respiratory rate, and effort, to identify any signs of respiratory distress early and intervene promptly. This proactive assessment can help prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition and ensure appropriate nursing interventions are implemented promptly.