The nurse obtains a sample of a client's arterial blood gas (ABGs). Which of the following statements is NOT true about ABGs?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Arterial blood gases (ABGs) do not directly assess the client's electrolyte and fluid balance. ABGs primarily evaluate the client's acid-base balance and oxygenation status by measuring levels of pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3) in the arterial blood. While ABGs can provide some information about blood parameters, such as oxygen saturation, they do not comprehensively assess electrolyte levels or fluid balance. To specifically assess electrolytes and fluid balance, additional tests like basic metabolic panels or comprehensive metabolic panels would be required.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide are commonly prescribed for the management of heart failure to reduce fluid overload and lower blood pressure by increasing the excretion of sodium and water. These medications promote the loss of potassium through increased urinary output. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, is the most common electrolyte imbalance associated with loop diuretic therapy. Potassium is an essential electrolyte for proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Low potassium levels can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Patients on loop diuretics are often monitored for potassium levels, and sometimes potassium supplements may be prescribed to prevent or correct hypokalemia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take when faced with a situation where a patient refuses to take medication after education and explanation is to notify the physician. The physician may need to be informed so they can reassess the medication and potentially explore alternative options or make adjustments based on the patient's concerns and preferences. It is important for medical decisions to be made in collaboration with the healthcare team to ensure the best care for the patient. Consulting the physician also helps in avoiding any potential negative outcomes resulting from the patient's refusal to take the prescribed medication. Once the physician is aware, further actions can be discussed and implemented to address the patient's concerns.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The signs reported by the patient, such as feeling nauseated, restless, sweating excessively, fatigue, and increased hunger, are indicative of hypoglycemia, which is characterized by low blood sugar levels. In individuals with hypoglycemia, these symptoms can occur when the blood glucose levels drop too low, leading to disturbances in the body's energy supply. This is common in individuals who may have experienced episodes of low blood sugar, especially if they have a history of diabetes or are taking medications that lower blood sugar levels. Diabetic nephropathy, hyperglycemia, and diabetic retinopathy are conditions associated with high blood sugar levels and are not consistent with the symptoms described by the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important intervention for managing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a patient undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU is to start appropriate antimicrobial therapy targeting MRSA. Vancomycin or linezolid are commonly used antibiotics for MRSA infections. These medications are effective against MRSA and can help in treating the infection and preventing further complications. It is crucial to initiate antimicrobial therapy promptly once the diagnosis of VAP caused by MRSA is suspected or confirmed to improve patient outcomes. Other interventions such as bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnostic purposes, contact precautions, or antifungal therapy may be relevant but the priority is to start effective antibiotic therapy to target the specific pathogen causing the infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The principle of beneficence emphasizes the duty to do good and act in the best interest of others. By ensuring that all necessary supplies and medicines are available for the care of the community, Nurse Erica is practicing beneficence. She is fulfilling her obligation to promote the health and well-being of the community members by providing them with the resources they need for their care. This demonstrates her commitment to doing good and acting in a way that benefits those under her care, which aligns with the principle of beneficence in nursing practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A nurse can be charged with negligence when they give the patient the wrong medication. Negligence in healthcare typically refers to a situation where a healthcare provider fails to provide a standard level of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Giving the wrong medication can lead to serious consequences for the patient, including adverse reactions, worsening of the condition, or even death. It is a clear violation of the duty of care that a nurse owes to their patients, and such a mistake can have legal and professional repercussions for the nurse.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Health education is a crucial component of public health aimed at promoting health, preventing diseases, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. It is not limited to only professionals like nurses but is the responsibility of every health worker across various disciplines. Health workers, including doctors, community health workers, public health educators, and others, play a vital role in delivering health education to the community they serve. By ensuring that health education is a shared responsibility among all health workers, a more comprehensive and effective approach to public health promotion can be achieved. It is continuously evolving to adapt to changing health needs and challenges, making it dynamic rather than remaining constant. Therefore, option B is the most accurate statement regarding health education in public health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In preparing for a possible earthquake as part of Safe Practice Environment (SPE) standards, the QA team should prioritize attention on Electrical wires (I) and Combustible materials (II).