Mrs. Dailey tells the nurse that she uses eyedrops which make her pupils get small. Which of the following drugs would produce this effect?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Pilocarpine. Pilocarpine is a parasympathomimetic drug that acts on the muscarinic receptors in the eye, causing constriction of the pupil (miosis). This medication is commonly used to treat conditions like glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. Option A) Epinephrine (Adrenalin) is a sympathomimetic drug that acts on alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, causing dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) rather than constriction. Option B) Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to decrease intraocular pressure in glaucoma but does not directly affect pupil size. Option C) Atropine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks muscarinic receptors, leading to pupil dilation (mydriasis) rather than constriction. Educationally, understanding the pharmacological actions of different drugs on the eye is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients with eye conditions. Knowing the specific effects of medications like pilocarpine can help nurses monitor for intended therapeutic outcomes and potential side effects related to pupillary changes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best response to the patient who completed detoxing from heroin and feels misunderstood by family members is option B: "Ask your family members if they ever had the flu. Tell them that withdrawal is like having the worst flu they ever had." This response is the most appropriate because it uses a relatable analogy to help family members understand the intensity and discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. By comparing withdrawal to a severe flu, it helps bridge the gap in understanding between the patient and their family. Option A is incorrect because suggesting Alcoholics Anonymous may not directly address the patient's concern about their family's lack of understanding. Option C is incorrect as comparing withdrawal to going on a diet trivializes the physical and psychological struggles associated with withdrawal. Option D is highly inappropriate and dangerous advice as it encourages the patient to use heroin, which contradicts the goal of recovery and sobriety. In an educational context, it's crucial for healthcare providers to communicate effectively with patients and their families to facilitate understanding and support. Using analogies that are relatable and easy to comprehend can help bridge communication gaps and foster empathy and support for individuals recovering from substance abuse. Educating patients and their families about the challenges of withdrawal can promote a more supportive and understanding environment essential for successful recovery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) To treat the symptoms of withdrawal while the body removes the substance from the patient's bloodstream. This option is correct because during withdrawal, the body experiences physical and psychological symptoms as it adjusts to the absence of the substance. Treating these symptoms helps the patient cope with the discomfort and reduces the risk of complications or relapse. By managing withdrawal symptoms, healthcare providers can support the patient through this challenging phase of recovery. Option A is incorrect because withdrawal treatment involves more than just removing the drug from the bloodstream. It also addresses the symptoms and effects of withdrawal on the body and mind. Option B is incorrect as it oversimplifies the purpose of withdrawal treatment, focusing solely on relapse prevention rather than holistic symptom management. Option C is incorrect because while psychological dependency may be a component of withdrawal, treatment primarily focuses on addressing the physical symptoms to ensure patient safety and comfort during the detoxification process. In an educational context, understanding the rationale for treating withdrawal is crucial for nursing students to provide effective care to patients with substance use disorders. By comprehending the physiological and psychological aspects of withdrawal, students can develop comprehensive care plans that address the complex needs of individuals going through this challenging process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In an ambulatory eye surgery center, assigning a client who needs post-operative instructions for cataract surgery to an experienced nurse is ideal because cataract surgery is a common procedure in such settings. An experienced nurse would be well-versed in providing these specific post-operative instructions, ensuring the client's understanding and compliance for optimal recovery. The other options are not as suitable for assignment to an experienced nurse in this setting: - Option B, applying an eye-pad and metal shield, is a task that can be performed by any competent healthcare provider, not necessarily requiring the expertise of an experienced nurse. - Option C, referring a client for dressing changes and eye drops, is more appropriate for a case manager or a primary care provider who can coordinate ongoing care needs beyond the surgical center. - Option D, teaching self-administration of eye drops, can be delegated to a less experienced staff member under supervision, as it does not require the advanced skills and knowledge typically possessed by experienced nurses in an ambulatory eye surgery center. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate assignment of tasks based on complexity and required expertise is crucial for effective patient care delegation and optimizing healthcare resources. This rationale highlights the importance of matching tasks to the skill level of healthcare providers to ensure safe and efficient delivery of care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Assist client to ambulate in hall. This task is appropriate to delegate to a nursing assistant because it involves physical assistance and support with mobility, which is within the scope of practice for a nursing assistant. The nursing assistant can safely assist the client in walking in the hallways, ensuring their safety and comfort. Option A) Listen to the client express grief or loss involves emotional support and therapeutic communication, which are beyond the scope of practice for a nursing assistant. This task requires a higher level of training and expertise typically provided by a nurse or mental health professional. Option C) Orient client to surroundings involves providing information and guidance about the environment, which may require more detailed explanations and assessments that are best handled by a nurse. Option D) Encourage independence is a task that involves assessing the client's capabilities, developing a plan for enhancing independence, and providing appropriate support and guidance. This task requires a higher level of clinical judgment and decision-making skills typically possessed by a nurse. In an educational context, it is important for nursing students to understand the principles of delegation and the scope of practice for different healthcare team members. By correctly identifying tasks that can be delegated to nursing assistants versus those that require a higher level of training and expertise, students can ensure safe and effective patient care delivery.