In order to determine the patient's ability to concentrate and focus, which would be the PRIORITY nursing action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the mental status of the patient is the PRIORITY nursing action to determine the patient's ability to concentrate and focus. This assessment includes evaluating the patient's level of alertness, orientation, memory, thought processes, and mood. By observing the patient's mental status, the nurse can gain valuable information about the patient's cognitive function, attention span, and ability to concentrate. This assessment will help guide further interventions and care planning for the patient. Asking for academic performance or conducting paper and pencil tests may be useful tools to assess concentration and focus, but they should come after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's mental status. Referring the patient to a psychiatrist may be necessary based on the assessment findings, but it should not be the first step in determining the patient's ability to concentrate and focus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In end-stage liver disease, pruritus (itching) can be a distressing symptom caused by the accumulation of bile salts in the skin due to impaired liver function. Cholestyramine and other bile acid sequestrants are the primary treatment for managing pruritus in these patients. These medications bind to the bile salts in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and reducing the itching symptoms. Antihistamines may not be as effective for this type of pruritus since it is not histamine-mediated. Topical corticosteroids are generally not recommended for long-term use in liver disease due to the risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects. Avoiding hot showers or baths may provide some temporary relief but is not a definitive treatment. Therefore, prioritizing the prescription of cholestyramine or bile acid sequestrants would be the most appropriate intervention to address the severe pruritus in a patient with end-stage liver disease

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: While it is important for nurse leaders to seek input and feedback from staff members, the inappropriate aspect of this action lies in the lack of clarity. The option contains a typographical error "natter" instead of "matter," which may lead to confusion and hinder effective communication. Additionally, the word choice of "opinion" instead of a more structured and strategic approach like "feedback" or "input" could be improved for professional communication in the workplace. Therefore, this action may not be considered appropriate in a work setting due to potential misunderstandings that can arise from the lack of clarity in communication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin K is essential for the production of several clotting factors in the liver, including factors II, VII, IX, and X. In a patient with chronic liver disease, impaired liver function can lead to decreased synthesis of these clotting factors. As a result, there is an underlying deficiency of these clotting factors, leading to prolonged PT (prothrombin time) and aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time). The mixing studies showing correction with normal plasma further support the diagnosis of a factor deficiency rather than an inhibitor, which helps in ruling out conditions like DIC or hemophilia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors and displacing the opioids. Administering naloxone intravenously is the recommended intervention for managing a patient with a suspected opioid overdose as it can quickly reverse respiratory depression, sedation, and other effects of opioids. This intervention can be life-saving in cases of opioid overdose and is a critical step in the management of such patients. Providing respiratory support with bag-valve-mask ventilation may be necessary in addition to naloxone administration to ensure adequate oxygenation, but naloxone remains the primary intervention to reverse the effects of opioids. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids rapidly or administering benzodiazepines for sedation are not recommended interventions for managing a suspected opioid overdose.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of CO-PAR (Community Organizing Participatory Action Research), the most important role of the public health nurse is being an expert. Public health nurses are expected to have specialized knowledge and skills in the field of public health, allowing them to provide evidence-based guidance and interventions to support community health initiatives. As an expert, the public health nurse can assess community needs, develop appropriate interventions, educate community members on health promotion and disease prevention, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented programs. By utilizing their expertise, public health nurses can effectively contribute to improving the health outcomes and well-being of the community they serve.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions and offering empathy and support is the most appropriate response in this situation. It is important for the nurse to show understanding and compassion towards the patient, especially when they are feeling emotional about a recent diagnosis. By acknowledging the patient's emotions, the nurse can create a supportive environment that facilitates open communication and helps the patient feel heard and valued. This approach can also help build trust between the patient and the nurse, leading to better outcomes in terms of patient care and overall well-being. Ignoring the patient's emotions, telling them to stop being emotional, or changing the subject may make the patient feel dismissed or isolated, which could negatively impact their mental and emotional state. Thus, offering empathy and support is key in helping the patient cope with their emotions and navigate through their diagnosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When performing an intramuscular (IM) injection, the nurse should insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the muscle. This angle helps ensure proper and deep penetration into the muscle tissue for effective administration of the medication. It also helps prevent leakage or tissue damage at the injection site. Additionally, inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle facilitates accurate delivery of the medication into the muscle where it can be absorbed properly. Therefore, selecting the correct angle for inserting the needle is critical in ensuring the success and effectiveness of the IM injection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse can be sued for malpractice. Malpractice refers to the failure of a professional, in this case, a nurse, to provide the standard of care that a reasonably prudent nurse would have provided in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to the patient. Administering an extra dose of vaccine leading to an adverse reaction and death of the patient is considered a form of medical malpractice as it involves a breach in the standard of care. Generally, malpractice cases involve errors or negligence in the performance of professional duties, which result in harm to the patient.