Delegation is a critical component of leadership and governance. Which of the following empowering activities should the unit manager applies in delegation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In delegation, facilitating the professional growth and development of a staff is necessary because it allows team members to gain new skills and experience, leading to overall improved productivity and job satisfaction. This empowers staff and helps them feel more engaged in their work, ultimately benefiting the entire unit. Effective delegation should aim to support individuals in their roles, encourage learning, and build competence, rather than modifying standards of care or only delegating tasks without considering individual growth. Starting delegation from top management to staff-nurse level may not always be practical or efficient, as delegation should be based on competencies and responsibilities. Accountability is indeed a crucial aspect of delegation, as individuals should be held responsible for the tasks they are delegated. However, without providing opportunities for professional growth and development, delegation may not be as effective in achieving organizational goals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for the palliative nurse to prioritize in this situation is to offer emotional support and validate the patient's feelings about body image changes. End-stage renal disease can lead to significant physical changes such as edema and weight gain, which can impact a patient's body image and self-esteem. By providing emotional support and validating the patient's feelings, the nurse can help address the patient's distress and concerns, improving their overall psychological well-being. While providing education on dietary modifications (choice B) and prescribing diuretic medications (choice D) may be important aspects of managing fluid retention and edema, addressing the patient's emotional distress and body image concerns should be the initial priority in a palliative care setting. Encouraging the patient to accept their body changes (choice A) may overlook the emotional impact these changes have on the patient, making choice C the most appropriate intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A woman experiencing irregular and ineffective uterine contractions with prolonged cervical dilation may indicate labor dystocia, also known as abnormal labor progression. To address this issue, the nursing intervention that should be implemented is to encourage the mother to ambulate and change positions frequently. This can help optimize fetal positioning and encourage descent through the birth canal by using gravity to aid in the progression of labor. Changing positions can also potentially improve the quality and effectiveness of contractions, leading to more successful cervical dilation and labor progress. Encouraging ambulation and position changes are non-invasive, patient-centered interventions that can be helpful in managing labor dystocia before considering more invasive interventions like cesarean section.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the emergency department setting, the initial diagnostic test typically performed for a patient suspected of having a stroke is a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. This imaging study is crucial in evaluating and diagnosing stroke because it can quickly identify whether the person is having a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or an ischemic stroke (blood clot blocking a blood vessel). The results of the CT scan help guide immediate treatment decisions, such as administering clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes or preparing for surgical interventions for hemorrhagic strokes. Carotid ultrasound studies and transcranial Doppler flow studies may be performed after the initial CT scan to further assess the extent of damage and the underlying cause of the stroke. The 12-lead electrocardiogram is useful in assessing the heart's electrical activity but is not the primary test for diagnosing stroke.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the case of Romy being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and undergoing palliative treatment, the most appropriate nursing action is to focus on providing relief from symptoms. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses by managing their symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and other side effects of treatment. As the cancer is advanced and the goal is not curative treatment but rather to keep the patient comfortable, symptom management becomes a priority to ensure Romy's physical comfort and well-being during this difficult time. Providing relief from symptoms is crucial in palliative care to help enhance the patient's quality of life and ensure they are as comfortable as possible.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Demerol (meperidine hydrochloride) is an opioid analgesic commonly used as a preoperative medication to decrease intra-operative anesthetic requirements and provide analgesia. Opioids like Demerol act on the central nervous system to reduce pain sensations, making it an effective choice for preoperative pain management. This can help decrease the amount of anesthesia needed during surgery, leading to better pain control and overall patient comfort during and after the procedure. Celebrex, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are also used for pain management, but they do not have the same potency and mechanism of action as opioids like Demerol for reducing intra-operative anesthetic requirements.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ethical principle of autonomy emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions regarding their treatment. In this scenario, the patient has the right to refuse treatment, and the nurse should respect that decision while also providing information and guidance to help the patient make informed choices. By upholding the principle of autonomy, the nurse can support the patient's decision-making process and work collaboratively with them to address any concerns or barriers to compliance with the treatment regimen. This approach honors the patient's right to self-determination and promotes a trusting relationship between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of a pruritic rash with linear streaks and small, fluid-filled blisters following exposure to poison ivy is characteristic of allergic contact dermatitis. Poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol, which is known to cause this type of skin reaction in individuals who are sensitive to it. The linear streaks are often a result of the plant brushing against the skin. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune condition characterized by the formation of intraepidermal blisters, typically not associated with linear streaks or exposure to irritants like poison ivy. Bullous pemphigoid is characterized by subepidermal blisters, and herpes zoster presents with a painful rash following reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in a dermatomal pattern, not typically in linear streaks.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Before initiating any oxygen therapy, it is crucial for the nurse to first assess the patient's condition. This step allows the nurse to determine the patient's oxygen saturation levels, respiratory rate, lung sounds, and overall respiratory status. Understanding the patient's baseline condition helps in selecting the appropriate oxygen delivery method and flow rate that will best meet the patient's needs. Additionally, assessing the patient's condition allows the nurse to monitor the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy and make any necessary adjustments throughout the treatment process. Therefore, assessing the patient's condition is the necessary first step in providing safe and effective oxygen therapy.