What should the nurse clarify about nasal decongestant sprays?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of teaching about nasal decongestant sprays, it is crucial for nurses to emphasize the importance of limiting the use of these sprays to no more than 3 days. The correct answer, option B, is the most appropriate because prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays can lead to rebound vasodilation and congestion, worsening the initial issue. Educating patients about this time limit is essential to prevent potential harm and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Option A, using nasal decongestant sprays for 7 days, is incorrect because this duration exceeds the recommended time frame and increases the risk of rebound congestion. Option C, stating that nasal decongestant sprays are safe for long-term use, is also incorrect and potentially harmful due to the risk of rebound effects. Option D, using nasal decongestant sprays with antihistamines, is not directly related to the clarification needed about the duration of use. In an educational context, this question highlights the significance of providing accurate and up-to-date information to patients regarding the appropriate use of medications. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and medication management. By clarifying the correct duration of use for nasal decongestant sprays, nurses can help prevent adverse effects and promote safe and effective self-care practices among patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of managing Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH), the correct answer to the question is option C) Medication was effective. Exertional dyspnea is a key symptom of IPAH, resulting from increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries leading to impaired oxygenation. When a patient with IPAH experiences an improvement in exertional dyspnea, it indicates that the medication prescribed to manage the condition has been effective in reducing the pulmonary arterial pressure and improving oxygenation. Option A) Blood pressure improved is incorrect because while blood pressure management is important in overall health, it is not directly related to the improvement of exertional dyspnea in the context of IPAH. Option B) Heart rate stabilized is also incorrect as heart rate stabilization may not directly correlate with the improvement in exertional dyspnea in IPAH. Option D) Chest x-ray cleared is incorrect because clear chest x-ray findings do not necessarily indicate an improvement in exertional dyspnea; the symptoms and functional status of the patient are more relevant indicators of treatment efficacy in IPAH. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the significance of symptom improvement in assessing the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions in managing chronic conditions like IPAH. By recognizing the relationship between symptom improvement and treatment efficacy, nurses can provide better patient care through accurate assessment and monitoring of treatment outcomes. This rationale highlights the importance of clinical judgment, symptom assessment, and understanding the pathophysiology of IPAH in nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient should inhale the medication rapidly. Otherwise the dry particles will stick to the tongue and oral mucosa and not get inhaled into the lungs. Advair Diskus is a dry powder inhaler; shaking is not recommended. Spacers are not used with dry powder inhalers. Huff coughing is a technique to move mucus into larger airways to expectorate. The patient should not huff cough or exhale forcefully after taking Advair in order to keep the medication in the lungs. [Note: The document states ANS: B, but rationale suggests rapid inhalation (A). Assuming a typo in ANS, corrected to A based on rationale.]

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of caring for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the essential intervention of airway clearance techniques (Option D) is crucial for maintaining respiratory health. CF patients have thick, sticky mucus that can obstruct airways, leading to recurrent infections and respiratory complications. Airway clearance techniques, such as chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises, help to mobilize and clear this mucus, improving ventilation and reducing the risk of infections. Option A, the sweat chloride test, is used in the diagnosis of CF by measuring the concentration of chloride in sweat. While important for diagnosis, it is not an intervention for managing CF symptoms. Option B, terminal care, is not appropriate as CF is a chronic condition with treatment options that focus on improving quality of life and managing symptoms. Option C, a low-sodium diet, is not specifically indicated for CF management, as the focus is more on maintaining adequate nutrition and managing pancreatic insufficiency. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the correct intervention for CF patients is essential for nursing students to provide effective care. By grasping the importance of airway clearance techniques in managing CF, students can appreciate the impact of these interventions on patient outcomes and quality of life. Emphasizing evidence-based practices like airway clearance techniques reinforces the role of nursing in promoting respiratory health and improving the well-being of patients with CF.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of the periodic table, oxygen belongs to the p block element. This is because oxygen is located in group 16 of the periodic table, also known as the oxygen family or chalcogens. Elements in group 16 have their outermost electrons in p orbitals, which classifies them as p block elements. Option A, s block element, is incorrect because elements in the s block have their outermost electrons in the s orbital, which is not the case for oxygen. Option C, d block element, is incorrect as elements in the d block have their outermost electrons in d orbitals, which again does not apply to oxygen. Understanding the periodic table and the organization of elements based on their electron configurations is essential in the field of nursing. In the context of oxygenation, nurses need to have a fundamental understanding of oxygen as an element, its properties, and its role in respiratory processes to provide effective care to patients with respiratory conditions. By knowing the correct placement of oxygen in the periodic table, nurses can better comprehend its behavior and interactions in the body, aiding in clinical decision-making and patient care.