During surgery, the nurse observes an unusual odor emanating from the surgical site. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If the nurse observes an unusual odor emanating from the surgical site during surgery, it is important to inform the surgeon immediately and assess for signs of infection. Changes in odor can sometimes be an early sign of infection, which requires prompt attention and intervention. By communicating with the surgeon and conducting a thorough assessment, the nurse can help ensure the timely detection and management of any potential complications, such as infection, that may be affecting the patient's surgical outcome. Prompt action in response to unusual observations is crucial to maintaining patient safety and well-being during surgical procedures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when observing signs of distress and discomfort in a patient during assessment is to offer emotional support and actively listen to the patient's concerns. Ignoring the patient's distress may lead to worsening of the patient's condition and can be detrimental to the patient's well-being. Documenting the findings and informing the healthcare provider later is important but should not be the immediate response when a patient is in distress. Administering pain medication without further assessment is also not appropriate as the nurse needs to understand the underlying cause of the distress before providing appropriate interventions. Offering emotional support and actively listening to the patient's concerns can help the nurse understand the patient's needs, provide comfort, and potentially address the root cause of the distress.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should obtain interpreter services or language assistance as needed to ensure effective communication with a patient who has limited English proficiency. Using an interpreter will facilitate clear and accurate communication between the nurse and the patient, enabling the patient to fully understand their care, treatment, and any instructions provided. Speaking loudly or slowly, using medical jargon, or ignoring the language barriers are not effective strategies for communicating with a patient who has limited English proficiency. Utilizing interpreter services demonstrates respect for the patient's language and cultural needs, which is essential for providing high-quality care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize removing the old dressing and applying a new dressing using sterile technique to minimize the risk of infection during a central venous catheter (CVC) dressing change. This is because the most critical step in preventing infection is maintaining a clean and sterile environment around the CVC insertion site. By using sterile technique, the nurse can reduce the introduction of microorganisms that could potentially lead to infection. Wearing sterile gloves and cleaning the insertion site with an alcohol-based antiseptic solution are important steps as well, but the key priority lies in applying the new dressing using sterile technique to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize positioning the patient in a left lateral decubitus position during gastric lavage to ensure procedural effectiveness. This position helps to promote optimal drainage of fluid and gastric contents. Placing the patient in a left lateral position allows gravity to assist in the passage of fluid and prevents the risk of aspiration. It also helps to minimize the risk of complications such as reflux of lavage fluid into the respiratory tract. Proper positioning is essential in enhancing the success of the gastric lavage procedure and promoting patient safety.