What are the nursing responsibilities when administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When administering IV antibiotics, it is essential for the nurse to verify the antibiotic dosage and check for any allergies the patient may have. This is crucial to ensure that the correct medication is being given at the proper dose and to prevent potential adverse reactions. Choice B is incorrect because administering medication without verification can lead to errors. Choice C is incorrect as it goes against safe medication administration practices. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on checking if the patient has allergies to antibiotics, not ensuring the patient is allergic to them.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ensure the injection produces a wheal on the skin. A wheal indicates that the PPD has been administered correctly, allowing for the proper interpretation of results. Administering the injection in the client's thigh (choice B) is not the recommended site for PPD administration; it should be administered intradermally. Using an 18-gauge needle (choice C) is unnecessary and not the standard practice for PPD administration as a smaller gauge needle is preferred for intradermal injections. Massaging the site after injection (choice D) can lead to inaccurate results by dispersing the solution, so it is important to avoid touching the site after the injection to prevent altering the test results.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention when managing a client with delirium is to identify any reversible causes. Delirium can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, dehydration, or metabolic imbalances. Administering antipsychotic medications (Choice A) may worsen delirium and should be avoided unless necessary for specific indications. Providing a low-stimulation environment (Choice C) is beneficial as it can help reduce agitation and confusion in individuals with delirium. Increasing environmental stimulation (Choice D) is contraindicated as it can exacerbate symptoms in delirious patients. Therefore, the priority should be on identifying and addressing reversible causes to effectively manage delirium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important consideration in managing a patient with heart failure is to monitor daily weight. This allows healthcare providers to assess fluid retention, adjust medications based on weight changes, and detect early signs of worsening heart failure. While oxygen therapy may be necessary in acute situations, it is not a routine management strategy for stable heart failure patients. Encouraging a low-sodium diet is important to manage fluid retention, but daily weight monitoring is a more direct measure of fluid status. Monitoring for signs of fluid overload is essential, but monitoring daily weight is a proactive approach to detect fluid accumulation before overt symptoms appear.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering glucagon is the recommended intervention for severe hypoglycemia, especially when the patient is unconscious or unable to consume oral glucose. Glucagon helps increase blood glucose levels rapidly by stimulating the release of stored glucose from the liver. Providing a source of glucose (Choice B) can be challenging if the patient is unable to swallow or unconscious, making glucagon a more effective option. Monitoring blood sugar levels (Choice C) and assessing vital signs (Choice D) are important aspects of managing hypoglycemia but are not the immediate intervention for severe cases where prompt elevation of blood glucose levels is necessary.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Previous violent behavior. This is considered the best predictor of future violent actions as individuals who have a history of violent behavior are more likely to engage in violent acts again. Option A, experiencing delusions, although it can impact behavior, is not as strong of a predictor as past violent behavior. Option B, male gender, is a demographic factor but not as specific or predictive as a history of violence. Option D, a history of being in prison, may indicate past behavior but is not directly linked to future violent actions as a known history of violence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct position for a lumbar puncture is the lateral recumbent position. This position allows the spine to curve naturally, widening the spaces between the vertebrae, making it easier and safer to perform the procedure. Supine with head elevated (Choice A) would not provide the proper positioning for a lumbar puncture as it does not allow for proper access to the lumbar area. Prone with arms at sides (Choice C) would not be suitable as it would not facilitate the procedure. Sitting with back rounded (Choice D) is also incorrect as it does not allow for the proper alignment of the spine needed for a lumbar puncture.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with frequent rest periods is the best strategy to promote independence. This approach helps the client regain confidence and autonomy in performing self-care activities. Instructing the client to rest until fully recovered (Choice A) may lead to decreased muscle strength and independence. Assigning assistive personnel (Choice C) does not empower the client to actively participate in their care. Involving the client's family (Choice D) may provide support but does not directly encourage the client's independence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to advise the client to avoid crowded places. Immunocompromised clients undergoing chemotherapy are at a higher risk of infections, so avoiding crowded places can help reduce exposure to pathogens. Wearing a mask at home is not necessary unless someone in the household is sick. Drinking unfiltered water can introduce harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Avoiding washing hands frequently is incorrect as hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections.