Deaths have occurred when potassium chloride has been used incorrectly to flush a lock or central venous catheter. Which of the ff precautions should a nurse take to minimize this risk?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The precaution a nurse should take to minimize the risk of deaths occurring when potassium chloride is used incorrectly to flush a lock or central venous catheter is to read labels carefully on vials containing flush solutions for locks. This is essential to ensure that the correct solution is being used and to prevent accidental administration of potassium chloride, which can be fatal if used inappropriately. By carefully checking the labels, the nurse can confirm that they are using the correct flush solution and avoid any harmful errors. This simple precaution can help in ensuring patient safety and preventing adverse outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An initial sign or symptom of acute bronchitis is a nonproductive cough. This type of cough produces little to no phlegm or sputum. As the condition progresses, the cough may become productive, with the production of thick yellow or green mucus. Other common symptoms of acute bronchitis may include chest discomfort, fatigue, mild fever, and sore throat. Labored breathing is more commonly associated with conditions such as pneumonia or asthma, while anorexia and gastric ulceration are not typically initial signs of acute bronchitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the production of certain clotting factors in the liver, thus prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. An elevated INR level indicates that the blood is taking longer to clot than desired, potentially putting the patient at risk for bleeding. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin because it helps the liver produce these clotting factors, ultimately reversing the effects of warfarin and promoting normal blood clotting. Administering Vitamin K helps lower the INR level and reduce the risk of bleeding in patients on warfarin therapy. Therefore, in this scenario, Vitamin K would be the appropriate antidote to use for the patient with an elevated INR level.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In humoral immunity, the activation of B cells is facilitated by helper T cells. Helper T cells play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response by interacting with B cells. They secrete cytokines that stimulate B cells to proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells. Without the assistance of helper T cells, the activation of B cells and the production of antibodies would be impaired. Cytotoxic T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity, supressor T cells regulate immune response, and neutrophils are involved in phagocytosis and innate immunity, but they do not directly assist in B cell activation in humoral immunity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An anaphylactic reaction is considered a Type I hypersensitivity reaction. In Type I hypersensitivity, the immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to an allergen, leading to the release of various inflammatory mediators like histamine. This immediate systemic reaction can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. These reactions occur quickly, typically within minutes to hours after exposure to the allergen. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that warrants immediate intervention with epinephrine and supportive care.