When teaching a patient to care for himself before discharge, what should the nurse initially do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology education, prioritizing teaching needs (Option C) is the most appropriate initial action when preparing a patient for self-care before discharge. This approach ensures that essential information is addressed first, focusing on key aspects that are crucial for the patient's well-being post-discharge. By prioritizing teaching needs, the nurse can tailor the educational content to address immediate concerns, such as medication administration, potential side effects, and warning signs to watch for after leaving the healthcare setting. Developing a 1-hour teaching session (Option A) might overwhelm the patient with excessive information, leading to poor retention and understanding. Giving the patient a booklet to read (Option B) may not be effective if the patient has limited literacy skills or prefers verbal communication. Selecting specific teaching techniques (Option D) without first identifying the patient's most critical learning needs could result in missed opportunities to address vital information. In an educational context, prioritizing teaching needs aligns with best practices in patient education, promoting effective communication, individualized care, and improved patient outcomes. It ensures that the patient receives essential information in a structured and manageable manner, setting the foundation for successful self-care management post-discharge.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Mrs. West's case, the most appropriate medication for pain relief would be Demerol (meperidine), which is the correct answer (C). Meperidine is an opioid analgesic commonly used for moderate to severe pain. Opioids are potent pain relievers that act on the central nervous system to decrease the perception of pain. In this scenario, Demerol would provide effective pain relief for Mrs. West. Option A, Phenergan (promethazine), is an antihistamine and is not primarily used for pain relief but rather for nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Option B, Valium (diazepam), is a benzodiazepine primarily used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures, not for pain relief. Option D, Compazine (prochlorperazine), is an antiemetic used for nausea and vomiting, not for pain management. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the pharmacological properties of different medications to provide safe and effective patient care. Understanding the correct use of medications based on their mechanism of action and indications is essential to ensure optimal patient outcomes and prevent adverse effects. In this case, selecting the appropriate opioid analgesic like Demerol for pain management is essential for Mrs. West's comfort and recovery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In planning Mr. Jones’ discharge teaching, emphasizing that medications must be taken as ordered is crucial for his recovery and to prevent drug resistance. This is the correct answer because adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is essential in treating tuberculosis effectively. Each dose at the right time ensures the medication's optimal concentration in the body to combat the infection. Option A, that he should not leave his home without wearing a mask, is important for infection control but is not the top priority. Option C, all visitors to his home should wear masks, is also important but does not directly impact Mr. Jones' treatment adherence. Option D, stating that he is cured of tuberculosis, is incorrect because tuberculosis treatment typically lasts for several months, and premature discontinuation can lead to treatment failure or relapse. It is important to educate Mr. Jones about the duration of treatment and the importance of completing the full course of medications. In an educational context, it is crucial to stress the significance of medication adherence in pharmacology teaching to ensure optimal patient outcomes and prevent the development of drug resistance in infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Understanding the rationale behind treatment recommendations helps students grasp the importance of following prescribed protocols in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the correct evaluation of the nursing action regarding continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. Clamping the chest tubes and observing no bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates that the system is intact, and the air leak is likely in the patient. This action helps differentiate between a system leak and a patient-related issue, guiding further patient care decisions. Option A is incorrect because clamping chest tubes can lead to tension pneumothorax due to trapped air in the pleural space. It is crucial to avoid clamping chest tubes unless in emergency situations where tension pneumothorax is suspected. Option C is partially correct in recognizing the need to involve the physician; however, leaving the chest tubes clamped for an extended period can compromise patient safety and proper drainage. Option D is also partially correct in acknowledging the need for intervention while waiting for the physician. Still, increasing external suction without addressing the underlying issue can cause harm and is not the appropriate initial action. This question provides essential pharmacological knowledge to nurses about managing chest tubes and interpreting bubbling in the water-seal chamber. Understanding these principles is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care in medical-surgical settings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In evaluating Mr. Jackson's situation with continuing dyspnea, chest pain, and low-grade fever, the correct answer is A) Bacteria-infected fluid is reaccumulating. This is likely because the symptoms suggest an infectious process, such as pneumonia or empyema, causing the fluid to become infected. This can lead to worsening respiratory symptoms and fever. Option B) This is the usual course of the disease is incorrect because the persistence of symptoms like dyspnea, chest pain, and fever should not be considered normal and require further investigation. Option C) His condition is worsening is partially correct but lacks specificity. It is important to identify the specific reason for the worsening condition, which in this case is likely due to bacteria-infected fluid reaccumulating. Option D) A repeat thoracentesis should be performed is not the immediate next step without first suspecting an infection. It is crucial to first address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which in this case is likely infection rather than a mechanical issue requiring thoracentesis. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of clinical reasoning and the need to consider infectious etiologies when a patient presents with worsening symptoms. It also emphasizes the significance of thorough assessment and differential diagnosis in managing patients with complex medical conditions.