Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Critical thinking. Critical thinking involves analyzing information, evaluating options, and making sound decisions. When caring for multiple clients with complex care, critical thinking enables nurses to prioritize tasks, anticipate complications, and adapt care plans accordingly. Diagnostic reasoning (A) is important but focuses on identifying specific health issues. Physical assessment (B) is crucial but only addresses one aspect of care. Nursing care plans (D) are essential tools but rely on critical thinking for effective implementation. In conclusion, critical thinking is the key as it encompasses all aspects of problem-solving in complex care situations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because monitoring kidney function with regular laboratory tests is crucial in managing CKD. Regular testing helps identify changes in kidney function early, allowing for timely interventions to prevent complications. Administering diuretics (choice A) may worsen kidney function. Encouraging weight loss (choice B) may be necessary, but monitoring kidney function takes precedence. Encouraging the patient to limit fluid intake (choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the priority intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform a lumbar puncture. This is the first action because diagnosing meningitis requires cerebrospinal fluid analysis obtained through a lumbar puncture. It helps identify the specific type of meningitis (bacterial, viral, or fungal) and guides appropriate treatment. Administering pain relief (B) or oxygen (C) may be necessary but not the initial priority. Administering antibiotics (D) should be based on the results of the lumbar puncture to ensure targeted therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs) Rationale: 1. NSAIDs are commonly used for chronic pain management due to their anti-inflammatory properties. 2. NSAIDs target the underlying inflammation that often contributes to chronic pain. 3. Opioids may be reserved for severe pain due to their potential for addiction and side effects. 4. Monitoring blood pressure is important but not the primary intervention for chronic pain. 5. Acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever and may not be as effective for chronic pain compared to NSAIDs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the room temperature. This is important because extreme temperatures can affect the accuracy of bowel sound assessment. Cold temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, leading to decreased bowel sounds, while warm temperatures can lead to increased sounds due to increased blood flow. Choice A (Clean the stethoscope before use) is important for infection control but not directly related to ensuring accurate bowel sound assessment. Choice C (Place the stethoscope directly on the skin) is incorrect as bowel sounds are auscultated through clothing. Choice D (Use a hand sanitizer after use) is important for hand hygiene but not necessary before using the stethoscope for bowel sounds.