Which vital sign is an essential measurement to assess a patient's basic physiological functioning?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Respiratory rate is a critical vital sign that reflects how well a patient's body is oxygenating and removing carbon dioxide, key components of basic physiological functioning. It directly indicates the efficiency of the respiratory system, which is essential for life. Pain level, while important for comfort, is subjective and not a direct measure of physiological function. Skin color can provide clues about circulation or oxygenation but is less specific and quantifiable than respiratory rate. Dietary preferences are unrelated to immediate physiological assessment, as they pertain to nutrition rather than real-time bodily function. Nurses monitor respiratory rate to detect distress or deterioration quickly, making it a fundamental metric in patient care. Understanding its significance ensures timely interventions, especially in emergencies where breathing is compromised.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Using the legs to lift while keeping the back straight promotes proper body mechanics by distributing weight to the stronger leg muscles, minimizing spinal strain and injury risk. Bending from the waist overloads the back, inviting disc damage. Twisting while lifting compounds this risk, destabilizing the spine. Fully extended arms reduce control and leverage, straining shoulders and back. Nurses apply this technique to protect themselves and patients during transfers, ensuring safety and longevity in physically demanding roles leg power, not back bending, is the key to sustainable lifting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Positioning an unconscious patient upright and elevated during feeding prevents aspiration by aligning the esophagus for gravity-assisted swallowing, reducing the chance of food entering the airway. Large amounts at once overwhelm reflexes, heightening risk. Feeding while flat allows reflux into the lungs, a common aspiration cause. Rushing increases errors and choking hazards. Nurses use this position often 30-45 degrees to mimic natural eating posture, safeguarding respiratory health in patients lacking protective cough reflexes, a critical care priority.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A nasogastric (NG) tube delivers nutrients and medication directly to the stomach, bypassing the mouth for patients unable to eat or swallow, like those post-surgery or unconscious. Oxygen delivery uses nasal cannulas or masks, not NG tubes. Blood pressure measurement involves cuffs, not gastric access. Heart rate monitoring uses ECGs or pulse checks unrelated to NG function. Nurses insert and manage NG tubes to ensure nutritional support and drug administration, verifying placement to avoid complications, a vital tool in acute care settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Providing clear instructions and demonstrating movements empowers a patient with impaired mobility to perform range-of-motion exercises independently, fostering autonomy while ensuring correct technique to maintain joint health. Doing it for them undermines self-reliance it's passive, not active, care. Limiting to once daily risks stiffness; frequency depends on ability. Discouraging exercises halts progress and morale. Nurses model motions, offer feedback, and adjust as needed, promoting independence safely, a balance of guidance and empowerment critical for rehabilitation.