On Friday the registered nurse reviews written request dated Thursday: 'I need my renewal for multivitamins. Thank you!' Which of the following is the best triage action?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer, option D, is the best triage action because the request for a multivitamin renewal is a straightforward administrative task that does not require a face-to-face assessment or a doctor's appointment. By forwarding the request to the pharmacy to fill the prescription, the nurse efficiently addresses the patient's needs without unnecessary delay. Option A, scheduling for a routine nurse sick call on Monday, is incorrect because it delays the patient's request unnecessarily. Option B, scheduling an appointment with the doctor on Monday, is also incorrect as this is not a task that requires a doctor's intervention. Option C, conducting a face-to-face assessment on Friday, is not necessary for a routine medication renewal and would be a misuse of resources and time. In an educational context, this scenario highlights the importance of efficient triage in healthcare settings. Nurses need to be able to differentiate between tasks that require immediate attention, such as assessments of acute conditions, and administrative tasks that can be handled in a timely and appropriate manner. This type of critical thinking and decision-making is essential for effective patient care and resource management in healthcare settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Standard precautions are a crucial component of infection control in healthcare settings. Option C is the correct choice because standard precautions are designed to be applied to all patients, regardless of their known infectious status, to prevent the transmission of pathogens. This approach ensures that healthcare providers are consistently protecting themselves and patients from potential infections. Option A is incorrect because standard precautions are not limited to patients with specific infections like blood borne viruses; they are meant to be universal in their application. Option B is also incorrect as standard precautions are not solely for patients with MRSA, but for all patients. Option D is incorrect because while standard precautions do include protocols for dealing with spillages of blood or bodily fluids, they are not limited to these situations only. Educationally, understanding and implementing standard precautions is essential for healthcare professionals to maintain a safe environment for both themselves and their patients. By consistently applying these precautions, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections and promote better overall patient outcomes. It is important to reinforce the importance of adherence to standard precautions in all patient care scenarios to instill a culture of safety and infection control in healthcare settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Diabetic Retinal Photography and Diabetic Foot Screening. This is because Community Health Centres in Singapore focus on providing specialized services for chronic disease management, such as diabetes. Diabetic retinal photography and foot screening are essential services for diabetic patients to prevent complications and monitor their condition effectively. Option A) Subsidised health screening by nurses and doctors is a common service offered in community health settings, but it is not specific to chronic disease management like diabetic retinal photography and foot screening. Option B) Subsidised laboratory services for chronic disease are important but not specifically mentioned as a service provided at Community Health Centres in Singapore. Option C) Subsidised Computer Tomography (CT) scans for Singaporeans is not typically a service provided at Community Health Centres, as these centers usually focus on primary care and chronic disease management rather than advanced imaging services. Understanding the specific services offered at different healthcare facilities is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed referrals and for patients to access appropriate care. This question highlights the importance of knowing the scope of services provided in different healthcare settings to ensure patients receive the care they need.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Stiffness of the right ankle joint. When a patient is bedridden for an extended period, they are at risk of developing complications such as joint contractures and muscle atrophy due to lack of movement and muscle use. Stiffness in a joint can indicate the early stages of these complications, highlighting the importance of early intervention and mobility exercises to prevent further deterioration. Option B) Soreness of the gums is not related to immobility but could be indicative of dental issues or oral hygiene problems. Option C) Short-term memory loss is not directly linked to immobility but could be a sign of other health concerns such as dementia or cognitive decline. Option D) Decreased appetite is often associated with various factors such as illness, medication side effects, or psychological factors, but it is less likely to be directly caused by immobility. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the potential complications of immobility in bedridden patients and to regularly assess and address these risks. Early recognition of signs such as joint stiffness can prompt interventions like range of motion exercises, positioning changes, and physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life and preventing further complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Etomidate. Etomidate is associated with longer seizure duration when used for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) because it has minimal anticonvulsant properties compared to other anesthetic drugs commonly used for ECT. Etomidate works by enhancing the seizure duration during ECT, making it an ideal choice for this procedure. Methohexital and propofol, on the other hand, have shorter durations of action and are less likely to prolong seizures. Thiopental, while also commonly used for ECT, has a shorter duration of action compared to etomidate, and therefore is less likely to be associated with longer seizure duration. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the pharmacological properties of anesthetic drugs used in ECT to ensure safe and effective patient care. Understanding the effects of each drug on seizure duration can help providers make informed decisions when selecting the most appropriate medication for ECT procedures, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.