Which of the following is the most important goal for a nurse when implementing care for a patient with a chronic illness?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most important goal for a nurse when implementing care for a patient with a chronic illness is to prevent future complications (Choice C). This is because chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that require ongoing management to minimize the risk of complications and improve the patient's quality of life. By preventing future complications, the nurse helps maintain the patient's health and prevents the progression of the disease. Providing emotional support (Choice D) is important but not the most crucial goal in this context. While reducing symptoms (Choice B) is important, preventing future complications takes precedence as it addresses the underlying cause of the illness. Curing the disease (Choice A) may not always be feasible for chronic illnesses, making prevention of complications a more realistic and essential goal.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Severity. In the PQRSTU mnemonic, "S" stands for Severity, which refers to the intensity or seriousness of the symptoms experienced by the patient. This is crucial in assessing the impact of the problem on the patient's health and well-being. Incorrect choices: A: Swelling - Swelling is a physical symptom and does not encompass all aspects of the patient's perception. B: Subjectivity - While the patient's subjective experience is important, it does not specifically refer to severity. D: Symptoms - While symptoms are part of the patient's perception, the "S" in PQRSTU specifically focuses on the severity of those symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs) Rationale: 1. NSAIDs are commonly used for chronic pain management due to their anti-inflammatory properties. 2. NSAIDs target the underlying inflammation that often contributes to chronic pain. 3. Opioids may be reserved for severe pain due to their potential for addiction and side effects. 4. Monitoring blood pressure is important but not the primary intervention for chronic pain. 5. Acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever and may not be as effective for chronic pain compared to NSAIDs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Orientation, as it assesses a person's awareness of time, place, and person. This is crucial for evaluating cognitive functioning in mental health exams. Speech (A) is related to communication, Perception (C) involves interpreting sensory information, and Judgement (D) pertains to decision-making skills. However, in the context of a mental health examination, assessing orientation is essential for understanding a person's cognitive status and ability to interact with their environment effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer nitroglycerin. This is the priority intervention because nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, reducing chest pain in clients with heart disease. It improves blood flow to the heart, relieving ischemia. Morphine (B) can mask symptoms and should be used if pain persists after nitroglycerin. Beta blockers (C) are beneficial in chronic management but not for immediate relief. Aspirin (D) helps prevent clot formation but is not the priority in acute chest pain.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased shortness of breath. During a COPD exacerbation, airflow limitation worsens, leading to increased difficulty in breathing. This is a common sign due to air trapping and inflammation in the airways. Sudden weight gain (A) is not typically associated with COPD exacerbation. Decreased heart rate (C) is not a common sign and is more likely to occur in other conditions. Increased energy levels (D) are unlikely during a COPD exacerbation as the body is under stress from impaired lung function.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reactions to previous hospitalizations. Before any medical procedure, it is crucial to gather information about the child's previous reactions to hospitalizations to ensure the safety and well-being of the child during the tonsil removal. This information helps healthcare providers anticipate and prevent potential complications based on past experiences. A: The child's birth weight is irrelevant to the tonsil removal procedure and does not impact the current situation. B: The age at which he started to crawl is not relevant to the tonsil removal procedure and does not provide any useful information for the medical staff. C: Whether he has had the measles is not directly related to the tonsil removal procedure and does not influence the immediate care needed for the child.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colace. When a client is immobilized and experiencing constipation, a stool softener like Colace is appropriate to prevent straining and discomfort. Advil and Anasaid are pain relievers, not laxatives. Clinocil is not a recognized medication. Colace is the best choice to address constipation in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breath sounds and oxygen saturation. In COPD, monitoring respiratory status is crucial due to impaired gas exchange. Assessing breath sounds helps identify any adventitious sounds like wheezing or crackles, indicating respiratory distress. Oxygen saturation reflects oxygenation status, vital for patients with COPD prone to hypoxemia. Nutritional intake and weight (B), bowel sounds and abdominal girth (C), and urine output and skin integrity (D) are important but secondary assessments in this case. Nutritional status and weight are important for overall health, bowel sounds and abdominal girth are related to gastrointestinal function, and urine output and skin integrity are indicators of hydration and overall skin health, respectively. However, in a patient with COPD, the priority is ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory function.