When a resident transfers out of the community:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Whenever possible, medications should go with the resident or responsible person or authorized representative, according to CCL guidelines. This is crucial to ensure continuity of care and prevent interruptions in medication therapy. By transferring medications with the resident, healthcare providers can maintain the individual's treatment regimen, prevent missed doses, and avoid potential adverse effects or complications. Option A is incorrect because destroying medications that were previously prescribed to a resident without proper disposal can lead to environmental contamination and is not in line with safe medication management practices. Option B is also incorrect as destroying medications within a short timeframe like 10 days is not a standard protocol and may result in wastage of resources. In an educational context, understanding the proper procedures for medication transfer during transitions of care is essential for healthcare professionals, especially those working in long-term care settings. It ensures that residents receive the necessary medications without interruption, promoting their health and well-being. Adhering to CCL guidelines not only upholds regulatory standards but also prioritizes patient safety and quality of care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D: using a bowel stimulant and stool softener. This is the recommended protocol for preventing constipation when starting a patient on opioids because opioids are known to slow down bowel motility and increase the risk of constipation. Bowel stimulants help to promote bowel movements by stimulating the muscles in the intestines, while stool softeners help to soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Option A, adding bulk fiber to the diet, may be beneficial for overall bowel health but may not be sufficient to prevent constipation induced by opioids. Option B, giving enemas as needed, is not typically recommended as a routine preventive measure for opioid-induced constipation and may not address the underlying issue. Option C, increasing fluids and exercise, is important for overall bowel health but may not be enough to prevent constipation specifically related to opioid use. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers, especially pain management nurses, to be aware of the side effects of opioid medications, such as constipation, and to follow evidence-based guidelines for prevention and management. By understanding the mechanism of opioid-induced constipation and the appropriate preventive measures, healthcare providers can improve patient comfort and adherence to pain management regimens.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. In this case, the patient's description of episodic, sudden-onset, right-sided facial pain triggered by light touch and brushing of the teeth is characteristic of trigeminal neuralgia. This condition is often referred to as one of the most excruciating types of pain a person can experience. Option A) facet joint syndrome involves pain in the spinal joints and is not associated with the specific characteristics described in the question. Option B) myofascial pain syndrome involves muscle pain and trigger points, not typically triggered by light touch or brushing of teeth. Option C) temporomandibular disorder (TMD) involves jaw pain and dysfunction, but does not typically present with the sudden, electric-like pain triggered by light touch that is characteristic of trigeminal neuralgia. In an educational context, understanding the specific characteristics of different pain syndromes is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses involved in pain management. Recognizing the unique features of trigeminal neuralgia can lead to timely and appropriate interventions to help alleviate the patient's pain and improve their quality of life. Additionally, this knowledge is essential for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam, as it demonstrates the importance of careful assessment and differentiation of symptoms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In medication administration, confirming the patient's identity is crucial to prevent errors. The correct answer, B, Patient's room/bed number, is not a reliable source because it can change or be shared among patients. Relying on this alone can lead to medication errors. A) Patient's Identification Bracelet is a crucial source as it is typically unique to the patient and contains vital information like name and medical record number. It provides a physical verification of identity. C) Asking the patient is important as it promotes patient involvement in their care, but it should not be the sole source of verification as patients may be confused or unable to provide accurate information. D) Patient's chart is another essential source as it contains detailed information about the patient, including allergies and current medications. However, it should not be solely relied upon for identification. Educationally, it is important for healthcare professionals to understand the significance of accurate patient identification in medication administration to ensure patient safety. Emphasizing the use of multiple reliable sources, such as identification bracelets and patient charts, helps to minimize the risk of medication errors and fosters a culture of safety in healthcare practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In medication administration, ensuring key steps are followed is crucial to patient safety and treatment efficacy. Option A, checking for discoloration and expiration of the drug, is the correct answer because it directly relates to the medication's safety and potency. Discoloration or an expired drug can indicate ineffectiveness or potential harm to the patient, making it essential to verify these factors before administration. Option B, verifying the amount of medication that has already been used, while important to prevent errors related to double dosing, is not the primary step to ensure medication safety. This step comes after checking for drug integrity. Option C, confirming with the patient's physician that he issued the prescription, is a critical step in the medication administration process but not directly related to ensuring the key steps are followed at the time of administration. Option D, verifying the date the prescription was written, is important for legal and documentation purposes but does not guarantee the safety and efficacy of the medication being administered. Educationally, it is vital to emphasize the significance of thorough medication checks before administration to prevent medication errors that could have serious consequences for patients. Nurses must be diligent in assessing the medication's integrity, expiration date, and appearance to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes. This rationale underscores the importance of prioritizing patient safety through meticulous medication administration procedures.