Which of the following is not a characteristic of quality improvement that the medical director is interested in?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Quality improvement focuses on proactive measures rather than reactive responses. The medical director would be more interested in establishing processes and systems that prevent issues from occurring in the first place, rather than just reacting to problems as they arise. Continuous improvement involves identifying problems, analyzing root causes, and implementing long-term solutions to prevent the issues from recurring. Therefore, reacting to correct or bad situations is not a characteristic of quality improvement that the medical director would prioritize.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nurse Merle has to renew her license on or before January 6, 2022, as that date falls at the end of the standard two-year license renewal cycle for nurses in many jurisdictions. Renewing on or before this date will ensure that Nurse Merle maintains her active licensure status and can continue practicing legally without any interruptions. It is important for healthcare professionals like nurses to stay current with their licensure to uphold professional standards and provide quality care to patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Scabies is caused by an infestation of the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This parasitic mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin, where it lays eggs and causes intense itching and skin irritation. The transmission of scabies usually occurs through close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infested person. Unlike viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which are microorganisms that can also cause skin infections, scabies specifically refers to an infestation by a parasitic mite.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A dental abscess is a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the soft tissues surrounding the apex of a tooth root. This infection can result from untreated dental decay, trauma to the tooth, or periodontal disease. The abscess can cause pain, swelling, redness, and even pus formation. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess, removing the source of infection, and possibly prescribing antibiotics to address the infection. If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to serious complications and spread to other parts of the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acute pyelonephritis is the most likely condition based on the patient presentation and urinalysis findings described. Acute pyelonephritis is an infection of the renal parenchyma and pelvis, typically caused by ascending bacteria from the lower urinary tract. The classic symptoms include fever, chills, flank pain, and costovertebral angle tenderness (tenderness over the kidneys). The presence of pyuria (pus in the urine) and bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine) on urinalysis further supports the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. It is crucial to diagnose and treat acute pyelonephritis promptly to prevent complications and recurrent infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse recommends regular monitoring of the patient's blood cholesterol levels to prevent complications from their heart disease. High levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Monitoring cholesterol levels allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's risk and make appropriate recommendations for managing their heart disease. Regular monitoring can help track the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Possessing a body of knowledge is an important element that characterizes nursing as a profession. Nursing is a field that requires specialized education, training, and expertise in various areas of healthcare. Nurses are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and various nursing theories and practices to effectively care for patients. This body of knowledge distinguishes nursing as a profession and supports the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based patient care. While the other options (having members, being service-oriented, and a calling) are also important aspects of nursing, possessing a body of knowledge is fundamental to the profession's identity and practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Uterine rupture is a severe obstetric complication that requires prompt and decisive management to prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby. In cases of uterine rupture leading to fetal distress and maternal hemorrhage, performing an emergency cesarean section is crucial. This intervention allows for rapid delivery of the baby, relieving the distress on the fetus and enabling immediate access to manage the maternal hemorrhage. By performing a timely cesarean section, healthcare providers can expedite the delivery process and effectively address both the fetal and maternal complications associated with uterine rupture. This intervention is essential in saving lives and reducing the risk of further complications in such a critical obstetric emergency.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: It is NOT recommended to use the same syringe and needle in administering two different vaccines. This is to prevent contamination or mixing of different vaccines, which could potentially affect their effectiveness or pose a risk to the individual receiving the vaccines. It is important to use separate syringes and needles for each vaccine to ensure proper administration and prevent any adverse reactions.