A patient receiving palliative care for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiences chronic cough and excessive sputum production. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to practice controlled coughing techniques would be the most appropriate intervention to address the symptoms of chronic cough and excessive sputum production in a patient with end-stage COPD receiving palliative care. Controlled coughing techniques can help the patient effectively clear respiratory secretions and improve airway clearance without the need for additional medications or interventions. This approach focuses on optimizing the patient's ability to manage their symptoms and maintain comfort, which aligns with the goals of palliative care. Administering bronchodilator medications, prescribing mucolytic medications, or referring the patient to a respiratory therapist for breathing exercises may have limited effectiveness in this advanced stage of the disease, and controlled coughing techniques would be a more practical and patient-centered approach to symptom management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In documenting procedures, it is essential to record information that is relevant to the specific procedure done. Recording the date (A), lot number (C), and needle gauge (D) are critical details that provide important context and traceability for the procedure performed. The date helps to keep track of when the procedure was conducted. The lot number is essential for tracking the specific batch of materials used in the procedure. The needle gauge is important for ensuring the appropriate equipment is used for the procedure. However, recording the manufacturer (B) is not necessary for documenting the procedures as it does not directly impact the quality or traceability of the procedure itself.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance in the peripheral tissues and defective beta cell secretion with loss of insulin. In type 2 diabetes, there is typically not destruction of beta cells from an autoimmune mechanism that leads to lack of insulin and hyperglycemia as seen in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Instead, in type 2 diabetes, the pancreas initially produces insulin, but the body's cells become resistant to its effects. This results in hyperglycemia due to the inability of the body to properly regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, choice C is not true for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An adequate contraction pattern during labor is characterized by regular contractions occurring at a frequency of three to 5 contractions in a 10-minute period, with resultant cervical dilatation. This pattern indicates efficient uterine activity that is helping to progress labor by dilating the cervix. In option A, the contractions are occurring at an appropriate frequency and are resulting in cervical dilatation, making it the correct choice for indicating an adequate contraction pattern.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, also known as osteonecrosis, is a common complication associated with hip fractures in elderly patients. It occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the femoral head following the fracture, leading to bone tissue death. This can result in pain, limitation of motion, and potentially the collapse of the femoral head, causing further complications. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to prevent further degeneration of the hip joint. Other complications such as compartment syndrome, dislocation of the hip prosthesis, and Volkmann's contracture are not typically associated with hip fractures in elderly patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action in this situation is to perform abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver. This technique is used to clear a blocked airway caused by a choking obstruction. Encouraging continued coughing may not be effective if the person is unable to dislodge the obstruction on their own. Delivering back blows can sometimes be effective, but abdominal thrusts are more commonly recommended in cases of choking in adults. Administering rescue breaths is not recommended if the person is conscious and able to cough, as it may worsen the situation by pushing the obstruction further down. By quickly performing abdominal thrusts, you can help dislodge the obstruction and potentially save the person's life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The best response of Nurse Virgo is to explain to Patient Benito that his body needs to function well with his pancreas. The pancreas plays a critical role in the digestive system by producing digestive enzymes and hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. Removing the pancreas would result in serious health consequences and complications, as the body relies on it for essential functions. It is important for the patient to understand the significance of the pancreas and why its removal is not a viable solution.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with chronic kidney disease presenting with metabolic acidosis, the compensatory mechanism the body is most likely to employ to normalize pH is increased bicarbonate reabsorption in the kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance by regulating bicarbonate levels in the blood. In metabolic acidosis, there is an excess of non-volatile acids in the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH. To compensate for this acidosis, the kidneys increase the reabsorption of filtered bicarbonate ions from the renal tubules back into the blood. This process helps to raise the bicarbonate levels in the blood, which in turn helps to neutralize excess hydrogen ions and restore the blood pH towards normal levels. Hyperventilation (A) is a compensatory mechanism for respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis. Increased renal excretion of hydrogen ions (C) and decreased renal excretion of bicarbonate ions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An advance directive is a legal document that specifies a person's healthcare preferences and instructions for medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes. It typically includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and end-of-life care. In the scenario provided, the document provided by the patient to the nurse outlining his healthcare team's instructions postoperatively indicates that he has an advance directive in place to guide his medical care if necessary. In contrast, informed consent is a process in which a patient gives permission for medical treatment after being informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Patient's Bill of Rights outlines the patient's rights within the healthcare system, and an insurance card provides information about the patient's insurance coverage.