The nurse is about to administer a new medication to a patient. Which action best demonstrates awareness of safe, proficient nursing practice?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because determining whether the medication and dose are appropriate for the patient is a crucial step to ensure safe nursing practice. This involves assessing the patient's condition, allergies, and compatibility with other medications. This step helps prevent medication errors and adverse reactions. A: Making sure the medication is in the cart is important but does not directly address the safety of the patient. B: Checking the dose accuracy with another nurse is a good practice, but it does not guarantee the appropriateness of the medication for the specific patient. D: Identifying the patient by comparing names and birthdates is an essential step for patient safety but does not directly address the appropriateness of the medication for that patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse is to stop and obtain appropriate PPE (B) because safety protocols require PPE to be worn to prevent exposure to hazards. By stopping and obtaining PPE, the nurse ensures their safety and the safety of others. Leaving PPE in the room (A) is unsafe and could lead to potential exposure. Asking a colleague to perform the task (C) is not ideal as the nurse should take responsibility for their actions. Completing the task without PPE (D) is dangerous and violates safety guidelines. Thus, choice B is the correct action to ensure the nurse's safety and proper infection control measures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nutritional consult. Poor wound healing in an obese client may be due to inadequate nutrition. A nutritional consult can assess the client's dietary intake and provide recommendations to support healing. Podiatry referral focuses on foot care, not addressing the root cause of poor wound healing. Pulmonologist referral is unrelated to wound healing in this scenario. Physical therapy may be beneficial for mobility but does not directly address the nutritional aspect affecting wound healing. Therefore, a nutritional consult is the most appropriate choice to address the underlying issue.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss through increased urine output. Hypokalemia is a common side effect of furosemide and can manifest as muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the client's potassium levels to prevent complications. Incorrect choices: B: Hyperkalemia is unlikely with furosemide use as it typically causes potassium depletion. C: Hypocalcemia is not a common side effect of furosemide. D: Hypernatremia is not typically associated with furosemide use, as it primarily affects potassium and water balance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in adults 65 and older due to age-related changes affecting balance and coordination. Elderly individuals are more prone to falls, leading to serious injuries such as hip fractures and head trauma. Falls can also result in long-term disabilities and decreased quality of life. Violence (B) is less common in this age group. Alcoholism (C) may contribute to falls but is not the primary cause. Motor vehicle accidents (D) are more prevalent in younger age groups.