The role of the nurse on a multidisciplinary team is to

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In a multidisciplinary healthcare team, the role of the nurse is crucial in coordinating the actions of other team members. This is because nurses often have a holistic view of the patient's care plan and are in a unique position to communicate and collaborate with various healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Option A, prescribing treatment, is incorrect because nurses do not have the authority to prescribe medications or treatments independently. This is typically the responsibility of physicians or advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority. Option B, arranging a posthospitalization rehabilitation program, is also incorrect as this task usually falls under the purview of case managers, social workers, or rehabilitation specialists who specialize in creating and implementing rehabilitation plans. Option C, determining appropriate physical exercises, is not the role of the nurse on a multidisciplinary team. While nurses may assist in implementing physical therapy plans, the primary responsibility for determining appropriate exercises lies with physical therapists or other rehabilitation specialists. Educationally, understanding the role of nurses in a multidisciplinary team is essential for nursing students and practicing nurses to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals, optimize patient outcomes, and provide holistic care. Effective communication and coordination among team members are critical components of successful interdisciplinary healthcare delivery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, when assessing an elderly patient like Mrs. West, particular attention should be given to fluid and electrolyte balance. This is crucial because as people age, their bodies undergo physiological changes that can affect how medications are metabolized and excreted. Elderly patients are at a higher risk for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to factors like decreased kidney function and changes in thirst perception. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance is essential to prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions. Regarding the other options: - Mental and emotional health status, while important, may not be directly impacted by age in the context of pharmacological assessment. - Respiratory function is vital in some cases, but it is not the primary focus when considering age-related changes and pharmacology. - Drug allergies should always be assessed, regardless of age, but specific attention to fluid and electrolyte balance is more pertinent in the elderly due to age-related physiological changes. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering age-related factors in pharmacological assessments and the need for targeted monitoring to ensure safe and effective medication management in elderly patients. Understanding these nuances is critical for healthcare professionals to provide optimal care to older adults.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Mrs. West's case, the most appropriate medication for pain relief would be Demerol (meperidine), which is the correct answer (C). Meperidine is an opioid analgesic commonly used for moderate to severe pain. Opioids are potent pain relievers that act on the central nervous system to decrease the perception of pain. In this scenario, Demerol would provide effective pain relief for Mrs. West. Option A, Phenergan (promethazine), is an antihistamine and is not primarily used for pain relief but rather for nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Option B, Valium (diazepam), is a benzodiazepine primarily used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures, not for pain relief. Option D, Compazine (prochlorperazine), is an antiemetic used for nausea and vomiting, not for pain management. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the pharmacological properties of different medications to provide safe and effective patient care. Understanding the correct use of medications based on their mechanism of action and indications is essential to ensure optimal patient outcomes and prevent adverse effects. In this case, selecting the appropriate opioid analgesic like Demerol for pain management is essential for Mrs. West's comfort and recovery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In planning Mr. Jones’ discharge teaching, emphasizing that medications must be taken as ordered is crucial for his recovery and to prevent drug resistance. This is the correct answer because adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is essential in treating tuberculosis effectively. Each dose at the right time ensures the medication's optimal concentration in the body to combat the infection. Option A, that he should not leave his home without wearing a mask, is important for infection control but is not the top priority. Option C, all visitors to his home should wear masks, is also important but does not directly impact Mr. Jones' treatment adherence. Option D, stating that he is cured of tuberculosis, is incorrect because tuberculosis treatment typically lasts for several months, and premature discontinuation can lead to treatment failure or relapse. It is important to educate Mr. Jones about the duration of treatment and the importance of completing the full course of medications. In an educational context, it is crucial to stress the significance of medication adherence in pharmacology teaching to ensure optimal patient outcomes and prevent the development of drug resistance in infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Understanding the rationale behind treatment recommendations helps students grasp the importance of following prescribed protocols in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the correct evaluation of the nursing action regarding continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. Clamping the chest tubes and observing no bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates that the system is intact, and the air leak is likely in the patient. This action helps differentiate between a system leak and a patient-related issue, guiding further patient care decisions. Option A is incorrect because clamping chest tubes can lead to tension pneumothorax due to trapped air in the pleural space. It is crucial to avoid clamping chest tubes unless in emergency situations where tension pneumothorax is suspected. Option C is partially correct in recognizing the need to involve the physician; however, leaving the chest tubes clamped for an extended period can compromise patient safety and proper drainage. Option D is also partially correct in acknowledging the need for intervention while waiting for the physician. Still, increasing external suction without addressing the underlying issue can cause harm and is not the appropriate initial action. This question provides essential pharmacological knowledge to nurses about managing chest tubes and interpreting bubbling in the water-seal chamber. Understanding these principles is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care in medical-surgical settings.