The best way to tell whether or not a patient is breathing, is for the nurse to watch the movement of the:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best way to assess whether a patient is breathing is to observe the movement of the chest and nostrils. Chest movement indicates inhalation and exhalation, while the nostrils may flare during breathing. Observing these two areas provides a more direct and accurate assessment of breathing compared to extremities, head, or eyeball movements. By focusing on the chest and nostrils, a nurse can quickly and effectively determine if a patient is breathing adequately.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During a lumbar puncture procedure, it is important to position the patient correctly to facilitate the procedure and minimize the risk of complications. Placing the patient on their side with their knees drawn up to their chest helps open up the spaces in the lower spine, making it easier for the healthcare provider to access the appropriate area for the procedure. This position also helps to minimize the risk of post-procedure complications such as spinal headaches. Monitoring the patient's vital signs is important but does not specifically relate to the nursing intervention during the lumbar puncture procedure. Labeling laboratory specimens in numerical order is also a routine task but not directly related to the procedure itself. Thus, the correct intervention during the lumbar puncture procedure is positioning the patient on their side with knees drawn up to the chest.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: After thoracentesis, it is important to position the client on the unaffected side to prevent leakage of fluid into the thoracic cavity. Placing the client on the unaffected side helps to promote proper drainage and reduce the risk of complications such as pneumothorax or fluid leakage. This position also allows for adequate lung expansion and facilitates proper re-expansion of the lung on the side where the fluid was removed. It is essential to follow this positioning to optimize outcomes and minimize risks associated with the procedure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Acute bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly known as "pinkeye." This condition is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids) due to a bacterial infection. It is a common eye condition that can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and a discharge from the eye. Treatment often involves antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear the infection. It is important for patients with pinkeye to practice good hygiene, avoid sharing towels or pillows, and wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection to others.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms described in the client, such as increased urination, anorexia, weakness, irritability, depression, and bone pain suggest hyperparathyroidism. In hyperparathyroidism, excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released, leading to increased calcium levels in the blood. This results in symptoms such as increased thirst and urination (polyuria), anorexia, weakness, irritability, depression, and bone pain. The bone pain in hyperparathyroidism can be severe and interfere with the client's ability to go outdoors. It is essential to consider hyperparathyroidism as a potential cause of these symptoms in the 68-year-old client and further diagnostic evaluations should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.