After positioning the patient for surgery, the nurse notices signs of pressure injury on the patient's heels. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pressure injuries on the heels are a concern as they can develop quickly and lead to serious complications, especially in surgical patients who are immobile for extended periods. Applying pressure-relieving devices, such as heel protectors or foam dressings, can help alleviate the pressure on the affected areas and prevent further damage. These devices are designed to distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of pressure injuries. It is important for the nurse to address the issue promptly to prevent additional harm to the patient's skin integrity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient's temperature is dropping below the normal range during surgery, the nurse should prioritize actively warming the patient to prevent hypothermia. Administering a warming blanket or using a forced-air warming device are effective methods to increase the patient's body temperature and prevent any complications that may arise from hypothermia. Increasing the ambient room temperature can help, but it may not be as direct or effective as applying targeted heat sources to the patient. Documenting the temperature trend in the patient's chart is important for record-keeping purposes, but immediate action to address the dropping temperature is necessary. Continuously monitoring the patient's temperature closely is important, but action should be taken promptly to prevent further decline.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choosing option C, asking the patient about their cultural beliefs and preferences related to pain, demonstrates cultural competence in pain assessment. Pain experiences can vary greatly across different cultures, and a patient's cultural background can influence how they perceive and express pain. By inquiring about the patient's cultural beliefs and preferences, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the patient's perspective on pain. This information is crucial for providing individualized and culturally sensitive pain management interventions. It also shows respect for the patient's unique cultural background and helps build a trusting and collaborative relationship between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse is delegating tasks to a nursing assistant, the principle that should guide the nurse's delegation decisions is assigning tasks based on the assistant's level of experience (Option B). It is essential to take into consideration the skills, competencies, and experience level of the nursing assistant to ensure that the tasks delegated are suitable for them to perform safely and effectively. Delegating tasks beyond the assistant's level of experience may result in errors, inefficiencies, or compromised patient care. Therefore, matching tasks with the assistant's experience level is crucial in successful delegation and providing quality patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to ensure proper insertion technique during a urinary catheterization is to use aseptic technique and sterile equipment. This is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. Aseptic technique involves maintaining cleanliness and preventing the introduction of harmful microorganisms during invasive procedures like catheterization. Using sterile equipment helps minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, which could lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Therefore, it is essential that the nurse follows strict infection control protocols and uses sterile equipment to maintain patient safety and well-being during the catheterization procedure.