A patient tells a nurse that he always uses boric acid solution to wash out his eyes. What would the nurse teach the patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Boric acid should not be used; it is toxic when absorbed. This is the right choice because boric acid is indeed toxic and unsafe for use in the eyes. Boric acid, when absorbed through the eyes, can lead to serious eye irritation, redness, swelling, and in severe cases, can cause damage to the cornea. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to educate the patient about the potential harm associated with using boric acid solution to wash out his eyes. Option B) Good work! Continue with your cleansing routine is incorrect because it reinforces the unsafe behavior of using boric acid solution in the eyes, which goes against patient safety and best practices in healthcare. Option C) Why in the world would you do such a thing? is inappropriate as it may come off as judgmental and not conducive to a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. It is important for the nurse to provide education in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. Option D) Maybe you should try something a little stronger is incorrect as it suggests using a stronger solution, which can be even more harmful to the eyes. This response does not address the safety issue at hand. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about common misconceptions or practices that can be harmful to patients. By providing accurate and evidence-based information, nurses can empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. In this scenario, it is crucial for the nurse to correct the patient's misconception about using boric acid in the eyes and offer safe alternatives for eye care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Wear gloves when handling a patient's urine. This is important because wearing gloves helps prevent the spread of infection and reduces the risk of exposure to body fluids, ensuring proper infection control practices are followed. Handling bodily fluids without gloves can lead to the transmission of pathogens and pose a health risk to both the assistant and the patient. Option A) Compare the amount of output with intake is incorrect because this is not relevant to the task of measuring urinary output. It is important to monitor intake and output but not during the actual measurement process. Option B) Using a clean measuring cup for each voiding is incorrect because while cleanliness is crucial, using a new cup for each voiding may not be necessary and can be wasteful. Properly cleaning and disinfecting the measuring cup between uses would be sufficient. Option C) Telling the patient to wash the urethra before voiding is incorrect as it is not the assistant's responsibility to instruct the patient on personal hygiene practices. This task is beyond the scope of measuring urinary output and falls under the domain of nursing care. Educationally, understanding the importance of infection control measures when handling bodily fluids is crucial for healthcare workers to ensure the safety of both themselves and patients. Reinforcing proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment like gloves in such scenarios is essential in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer, option D, is the most appropriate choice because the patient's daily diet consisting of high-fiber cereals, fruits, vegetables, and adequate fluid intake aligns well with promoting healthy bowel function. High-fiber foods, fruits, and vegetables are essential for maintaining regular bowel movements and overall digestive health. Adequate fluid intake of 2,500 mL helps prevent constipation and supports proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Option A, suggesting a decrease in high-fiber foods, would be counterproductive as fiber is crucial for maintaining bowel regularity. Decreasing the amount of fluids, as indicated in option B, could lead to dehydration and worsen constipation. Omitting fruits if eating vegetables, as mentioned in option C, is not necessary as both fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients, fiber, and hydration. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to understand the significance of patient-centered care and the role of nutrition in promoting overall health and well-being. Educating patients about the importance of a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and adequate fluid intake can empower them to make informed choices that support their health goals, including optimal bowel function. This question highlights the importance of recognizing and reinforcing positive dietary practices that contribute to patient wellness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of maintaining a safe working environment, option A is the correct choice. Providing training and personal equipment for an employee's job role is crucial for ensuring that employees are aware of safety protocols and have the necessary tools to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Choosing option B, asking employees to provide their own personal protective equipment, is not ideal as it shifts the responsibility onto the employees, potentially leading to gaps in safety compliance and putting individuals at risk if they do not have access to or cannot afford the required equipment. Option C, providing employees with paid lunch and break times, while important for employee well-being, does not directly address the issue of ensuring a safe working environment. Morale-boosting initiatives are valuable but should not be conflated with safety measures. Option D, providing travel arrangements to and from the workplace, is also unrelated to the primary concern of maintaining a safe working environment within the workplace itself. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of employer responsibility in ensuring workplace safety through proper training and provision of necessary equipment. It highlights the need for a proactive approach to safety rather than relying on reactive or external factors. Understanding this distinction is vital for both employers and employees to prioritize safety in the workplace.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of patient-centered care in addiction practice, it is crucial that all individuals within a healthcare setting actively contribute to maintaining a safe environment. The correct answer, option C ("Anyone who notices it"), is the most appropriate choice for several reasons. Firstly, promoting a culture of safety and accountability relies on the collective responsibility of all staff members to report unsafe working practices promptly. By empowering everyone to speak up, potential hazards can be addressed swiftly, reducing the risk of accidents and safeguarding both patients and healthcare professionals. Options A, B, and D are incorrect for several reasons. Option A ("Only people who have been trained") limits reporting to a select few, potentially delaying intervention in critical situations. Option B ("Your health and safety rep only") places the burden solely on designated representatives, overlooking the importance of immediate action by all staff members. Option D ("Your line manager only") centralizes reporting through hierarchical channels, potentially leading to delays and hindered communication. From an educational standpoint, understanding the importance of reporting unsafe practices aligns with core principles of patient-centered care, where patient safety and well-being are paramount. By emphasizing the role of every individual in maintaining a safe working environment, healthcare professionals can collectively contribute to a culture of safety and continuous improvement within addiction practice settings. Encouraging open communication and reporting not only mitigates risks but also fosters a collaborative approach to ensuring high-quality care delivery.