What is the purpose of a chest tube after a lobectomy procedure, as understood by the nurse?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: After a lobectomy, a chest tube is typically inserted to drain fluids and blood that may have accumulated post-operatively. This tube helps to prevent complications, such as infections or pneumonia, and aids in patient recovery. While a chest tube may aid in preventing a mediastinal shift (Choice A), promoting chest expansion of the remaining lung (Choice B), and removing air in the lungs to promote lung expansion (Choice D), these are not the primary reasons for its use after a lobectomy. Therefore, Choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A pulse oximeter is used to detect the oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood before the onset of hypoxemia symptoms. This device provides essential information about the effectiveness of oxygen transportation to the body's tissues. Choice A is incorrect because a pulse oximeter does not directly measure hemoglobin levels nor determine the need for a blood transfusion. Choice B is incorrect because a pulse oximeter is designed specifically to assess oxygen saturation, not tissue perfusion. Choice C is incorrect because a pulse oximeter is not used to measure the efficacy of anti-hypertensive medications, but rather to monitor oxygen levels in the blood.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It produces an anesthetic effect.' Hot compresses can help alleviate pain by producing an anesthetic effect, which numbs the area. Choice B is incorrect because a hot compress does not directly increase nutrition in the blood to promote wound healing. Choice C is also incorrect because a hot compress primarily aids in pain relief rather than increasing oxygenation to the tissues for enhanced healing. Choice D is incorrect because hot compresses typically lead to vasodilation, not vasoconstriction, which aids in promoting blood flow rather than preventing infection. Safe and effective patient care relies on actions based on established nursing protocols that consider both the immediate and long-term needs of the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A process recording typically includes a non-verbal narrative account (Choice A), an analysis and interpretation (Choice B), and a verbal narrative account (Choice D). These components help in providing a comprehensive assessment of a patient's condition and ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted for optimized outcomes. An audio-visual recording (Choice C), while it can be a part of some data collection processes, is not typically included in a process recording, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Risk for infection.' An indwelling urinary catheter poses a significant risk for infection due to its invasive nature and the increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections. While 'B: Impaired urinary elimination' and 'C: Impaired skin integrity' may also be concerns for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, the immediate risk of infection is the priority. 'A: Self-esteem disturbance' is not typically a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter because the focus is primarily on infection prevention and management to ensure patient safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood, is reflected in an ECG by a widening QRS Complex and a U wave. This is because potassium plays a key role in the electrical activity of the heart, and its deficiency can lead to abnormalities in the heart's rhythm as represented by these specific changes on the ECG. Choice A is incorrect as tall T waves and pathologic Q waves are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia or myocardial infarction, respectively, rather than hypokalemia. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the ECG changes caused by hypokalemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A', which says trim nails using a nail clipper. This is incorrect because patients with peripheral vascular disease, particularly those caused by diabetes, should not trim their nails themselves due to the risk of injury, infection, and poor wound healing. The other options, 'B', 'C', and 'D', are correct advice for diabetic foot care. Applying cornstarch can help keep the feet dry and prevent fungal infections. Checking the water temperature before bathing can prevent burns, as patients with peripheral vascular disease often have decreased sensation in their feet. Wearing canvas shoes can improve foot ventilation and reduce the risk of foot ulcers and infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hamburger, fries, and soft drink. This meal is considered the least nutritious among the options provided due to its high content of unhealthy fats, processed carbohydrates, and added sugars, which lack essential nutrients. On the other hand, choice A: Ham sandwich, apple, and milk, offers a balanced meal with protein, fiber, vitamins, and calcium. Choice C: Macaroni and cheese, green beans, and peaches, provides a mixture of carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. Choice D: Meatloaf, broccoli, and pear slices, includes protein, fiber, and vitamins. Thus, all choices except B provide a more balanced and nutritious meal.