The nurse assesses a patient's surgical wound on the first postoperative day and notes redness and warmth around the incision. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Documenting the assessment is appropriate as redness and warmth around the incision on the first postoperative day are common signs of normal inflammation. Step 2: This action allows for tracking changes in the wound over time. Step 3: It provides a baseline for comparison in case the condition worsens. Step 4: Obtaining wound cultures (A) is premature as it is not indicated for initial signs of inflammation. Step 5: Notifying the health care provider (C) may be necessary if the condition worsens, but it is not the first step. Step 6: Assessing the wound every 2 hours (D) is excessive and unnecessary unless there are other concerning symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperinflation of lungs documented by chest x-ray. In COPD exacerbation, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs. This is evidenced on chest x-ray by increased lung volume and flattened diaphragms due to overinflation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in COPD exacerbation, oxygen saturation typically decreases with ambulation due to impaired gas exchange, a widened diaphragm is not a typical finding on chest x-ray in COPD exacerbation, and a shortened expiratory phase is more commonly seen in obstructive lung diseases like asthma rather than COPD exacerbation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angiotension converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Post-myocardial infarction, ACE inhibitors are crucial in managing heart failure by reducing afterload, improving cardiac function, and preventing adverse remodeling. ACE inhibitors also decrease mortality rates in patients with heart failure. Beta blockers (B) are also important but are typically initiated later in the treatment plan. Calcium channel blockers (C) are not first-line agents in heart failure treatment. Diuretics (D) are used to manage fluid overload but are not specifically indicated for post-myocardial infarction heart failure management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: conducting health assessments. Nurses in physician offices play a crucial role in assessing patients' health status, collecting vital signs, conducting physical exams, and gathering medical history. This responsibility enables them to provide essential information to the physician for diagnosis and treatment planning. Prescribing medications (choice A) is typically the responsibility of physicians, not nurses. Performing minor surgery (choice C) requires specialized training and usually falls under the scope of practice of surgeons or other healthcare providers. Making independent home visits (choice D) may not be a typical responsibility of nurses in physician offices, as their primary role is to assist with patient care within the office setting.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because respecting patients' values and beliefs is essential in providing culturally sensitive care. This fosters trust and promotes effective communication and understanding. Ignoring differences (A) can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective care. Convincing patients to change beliefs (C) is unethical and disrespectful. Refusing care (D) goes against the nursing code of ethics and denies patients access to care based on their cultural or religious backgrounds. Respecting diversity is crucial in delivering patient-centered care.