What is one important step that the nursing assistant should take when collecting a sputum specimen?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Have the resident rinse mouth with water before the collection. This step helps to ensure that the sputum sample collected is not contaminated with food particles or debris from the mouth, providing a more accurate representation of the respiratory secretions. Rinsing with water helps to clear the mouth and throat of any potential contaminants, making the collection process more effective. Explanation for other choices: A: Having the resident eat dinner prior to the sputum collection can introduce food particles into the sample, leading to contamination and inaccurate results. B: Asking the resident to rinse with mouthwash before the collection can introduce chemicals that may interfere with the accuracy of the test results. D: Collecting the specimen at night just before the resident goes to bed does not address the need to clear the mouth of potential contaminants before the collection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, can lead to brittle hair and nails due to decreased metabolic activity affecting hair and nail growth. Increased hair growth (A) is associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Weight loss (B) is a symptom of hyperthyroidism where metabolism is increased. Nausea or diarrhea (C) are not typical symptoms of hypothyroidism which usually presents with weight gain and constipation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperextended. When a joint is extended beyond its normal range of motion, it is considered hyperextended. This means that the joint is moved past its usual limit in the direction opposite to flexion. Flexion (choice A) is the bending of a joint, not extending it. Opposed (choice B) refers to two things being against each other and is not related to joint motion. Pronation (choice C) is the inward rotation of the forearm, not joint extension. Hyperextension is the only choice that accurately describes the scenario of a joint being extended beyond its normal motion limit.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Autopsy. An autopsy is a thorough examination of a body by a pathologist to determine the cause of death. Atrophy (A) refers to the wasting away of body tissues, not an examination. Anatomy (B) is the study of the structure of organisms, not specifically related to determining cause of death. Avulsion (D) is the tearing away of a body part, not related to postmortem examinations. Therefore, C is the correct answer as it directly relates to the process of determining cause of death through a detailed examination.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hepatitis B. This is because Hepatitis B is an occupational hazard for healthcare workers, requiring employers to provide the vaccine to employees free of charge. Measles, Ebola, and Malaria are not typically considered occupational hazards in most work settings, so providing vaccines for these diseases is not a legal requirement for employers. Hepatitis B vaccination helps protect employees from potential exposure in the workplace, making it a necessary and mandated vaccine for certain occupations.