What is the primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is to ensure the confidentiality and security of health information. HIPAA establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. By safeguarding the privacy of health data, HIPAA aims to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive patient information, preventing unauthorized access and disclosure. This focus on privacy and security helps build trust between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that personal health information is handled responsibly and ethically.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client with a prescription for wound irrigation, the nurse should cleanse the wound from the center outward. This technique helps prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the wound, reducing the risk of contamination and promoting effective wound healing. By using a circular motion from the cleanest area to the least clean areas, debris and bacteria are moved away from the wound site, decreasing the chances of infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A petechial rash is a characteristic finding in clients with meningitis, indicating small, pinpoint hemorrhages under the skin. This rash results from the infection's impact on the blood vessels. Petechiae are important to recognize as they can help differentiate meningitis from other conditions with similar symptoms. Brudzinski's sign, neck stiffness, and positive Kernig's sign are more common physical exam findings in meningitis. Flaccid neck muscles and hypoactive deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with meningitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Inserting the catheter while the client is inhaling helps to align the trachea and vocal cords, reducing the risk of trauma to the respiratory tract. This technique also facilitates easier passage of the catheter into the trachea, enhancing the effectiveness of the suctioning procedure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Having a second nurse witness the disposal of any unused portion of a controlled substance is a legal requirement to ensure proper disposal, prevent diversion, and maintain accountability. This practice helps in reducing the risk of misuse or unauthorized access to controlled substances, enhancing patient safety, and complying with legal regulations and standards.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is crucial to prevent leakage and detachment from the skin. This practice helps to maintain the integrity of the colostomy system, reducing the risk of skin irritation and odor. It is essential for client comfort and overall stoma care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ensuring the water seal chamber is filled to the prescribed level is essential for the chest tube's effective functioning. This maintains the integrity of the system, prevents air from entering the pleural space, and facilitates proper drainage. Stripping the drainage tubing, keeping the drainage system below the chest level, or clamping the chest tube during ambulation are not recommended practices and can lead to complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Opening sterile supplies before donning sterile gloves is a critical step in maintaining the sterility of the supplies during a dressing change procedure. By doing so, the healthcare professional ensures that they do not touch non-sterile surfaces with their hands once sterile gloves are worn, reducing the risk of introducing pathogens to the wound and minimizing the potential for contamination.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs is crucial post hip arthroplasty surgery to prevent hip dislocation. This intervention helps maintain proper alignment and prevents legs from crossing midline, reducing the risk of hip prosthesis dislocation. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees, positioning the client on the operative side, or keeping the client's legs adducted are not recommended postoperative interventions for a total hip arthroplasty, as they can increase the risk of complications and compromise the surgical site.