What aspect should a nurse pay particular attention to when assessing a client with a potential or actual infection?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a client with a potential or actual infection, a nurse should pay particular attention to the client's recent travel to a foreign country. This is because travel history can provide crucial information about exposure to infectious diseases that may not be prevalent in the client's home country. Certain regions have endemic diseases or outbreaks that the client may have been exposed to, which can guide the healthcare provider in diagnosing and treating the infection effectively. Option A, the client's age and sex, while important in assessing overall health and susceptibility to certain infections, is not as specific or directly relevant in the context of potential exposure to infectious diseases through travel. Option B, the client's lifestyle and drinking habits, may provide insights into the client's overall health status but may not directly relate to the assessment of a potential or actual infection acquired through travel. Option D, the client's diet and preference for meat, is not a primary consideration when assessing a client for a potential or actual infection. While dietary habits can impact overall health, they are not as directly relevant in this scenario compared to recent travel history. In pharmacology and nursing practice, understanding the importance of taking a thorough history, including travel history, is crucial in identifying potential sources of infection and providing appropriate care. By recognizing the significance of recent travel in assessing for infectious diseases, nurses can contribute to accurate diagnosis and timely intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology and nursing practice, the correct answer to the question is option B: To administer antineoplastic chemotherapy. This is because antineoplastic chemotherapy agents are highly vesicant and can cause tissue damage if they extravasate from the vein. Midline and midclavicular sites have a higher risk of extravasation due to the smaller veins and decreased blood flow compared to larger, more central veins like the subclavian or jugular veins. Option A, administering solutions with a pH between 5 and 9, is not a reason to avoid midline and midclavicular sites. Veins in these locations can generally tolerate solutions within this pH range without significant irritation or damage. Option C, administering slow, low-volume infusions, is typically suitable for midline and midclavicular sites as these veins are suitable for such infusions due to their accessibility and ease of monitoring. Option D, administering solutions with an osmolality less than 500 mOsm/L, does not contraindicate the use of midline and midclavicular sites. These sites can generally accommodate solutions with osmolalities within this range without significant issues. Educationally, understanding the appropriate site selection for IV therapy is crucial for nurses to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes. Utilizing central veins for vesicant medications like antineoplastic chemotherapy helps prevent serious complications such as tissue damage and necrosis. Nurses must continually assess and apply best practices in IV therapy to deliver safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding wound care post-surgery is crucial for nurses. The correct answer is D) To avoid wound infection. Changing wound dressings exposes the surgical site to potential pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. Nurses must maintain strict aseptic technique to prevent contamination, as surgical wounds are particularly vulnerable during the initial healing phase. Infection can lead to delayed healing, increased pain, extended hospital stays, and in severe cases, systemic complications. Option A) To avoid damaging new tissue is important but less critical than preventing infection. Proper handling techniques and gentle care can minimize tissue damage. Option B) To avoid causing pain to the client is a valid concern, but ensuring wound healing and preventing infection take precedence. Pain management should be addressed separately. Option C) To fasten wound healing is desirable but changing dressings too frequently can disrupt the healing process. The focus should be on creating an optimal environment for natural healing to occur. Educationally, nurses must grasp the significance of wound care in preventing complications post-surgery. Emphasizing infection prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene, sterile technique, and appropriate dressing changes, is essential for safe and effective nursing practice in surgical settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and toxicology, understanding the antidotes for specific toxic exposures is crucial for healthcare providers. In the case of cyanide poisoning, the correct antidote is amyl nitrite, which is an inhalant used to convert cyanide into a less toxic substance. Amyl nitrite works by inducing methemoglobin formation, which then binds to cyanide, forming cyanomethemoglobin, a less toxic compound that can be excreted from the body. Option A, Methemoglobin, is incorrect because it is not an antidote but rather a compound formed by certain antidotes like sodium nitrite or amyl nitrite in the treatment of cyanide poisoning. Option B, Sodium nitrite, is incorrect because while it is an antidote for cyanide poisoning, it is administered intravenously rather than as an inhalant. Option D, Sodium thiosulfate, is incorrect because it is used as a secondary antidote in cyanide poisoning to enhance the detoxification process but does not directly convert cyanide into a nontoxic substance like amyl nitrite. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of knowing antidotes for common toxic exposures and understanding their mechanisms of action to provide effective and timely care to patients. Healthcare providers must be able to quickly identify the correct antidote based on the specific toxic exposure to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Anthrax. Anthrax is a bacterial agent that has a readily available vaccine. This vaccine is primarily used for military personnel and at-risk civilians who may be exposed to the bacterium. Anthrax is considered a potential bioterrorism threat, hence the need for a vaccine for those at high risk of exposure. Option A) Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There is no widely available vaccine for botulism, and treatment primarily involves supportive care and administration of antitoxin. Option C) Smallpox is a viral infection that has been eradicated globally, and routine vaccination is no longer necessary. The vaccine is not readily available to the general public but is maintained in select laboratories for research and emergency preparedness. Option D) Influenza is a viral infection for which vaccines are available and recommended for the general population, not just for military or at-risk civilians. Influenza vaccines are updated annually to match circulating strains and reduce the spread of the virus. Understanding the availability and targeted use of vaccines for specific biological agents is crucial in public health and emergency response scenarios. By knowing which vaccines are available and who should receive them, healthcare providers can effectively protect and treat individuals in high-risk situations.