While preparing the operating room (OR) for a surgical procedure, the nurse notices that the surgical instrument tray is incomplete. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial to have a complete set of surgical instruments for any surgical procedure to ensure patient safety and the success of the surgery. If the nurse notices that the surgical instrument tray is incomplete, the best course of action is to inform the sterile processing department immediately. By doing so, the missing instruments can be promptly provided, ensuring that the surgical team has all the necessary tools for the procedure. Proceeding with the procedure using incomplete instruments can compromise patient safety and the quality of care provided. Documenting the missing instruments in the surgical count log is important for record-keeping purposes but should not delay the immediate action of requesting additional instruments. Borrowing instruments from another OR is not recommended as it can create confusion, potential cross-contamination, and disrupt the workflow of another surgical team.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should provide accurate information about the medication, including potential side effects, to address the patient's concerns. It is important for the nurse to listen to the patient's worries and provide them with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision about their treatment. By educating the patient about the medication and its potential side effects, the nurse empowers the patient to be actively involved in their care and promotes shared decision-making. Disregarding the patient's concerns, encouraging them to stop taking the medication, or minimizing the importance of their worries are not appropriate responses and may negatively impact the patient-nurse relationship and the patient's adherence to the prescribed treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize checking the patency of the NG tube by aspirating gastric contents before initiating tube feeding. This is important to ensure that the NG tube is in the correct position and that it is functioning properly. By aspirating gastric contents, the nurse can confirm that the tube is in the stomach and not in the lungs or surrounding tissues. If no gastric contents are obtained upon aspiration, it may indicate that the tube is not properly placed or may be occluded, which would require further assessment and intervention before proceeding with tube feeding. Checking the patency of the NG tube is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of enteral nutrition delivery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Using aseptic technique and sterile equipment during catheter insertion is crucial for minimizing the risk of infection during bladder catheterization. Aseptic technique involves maintaining a sterile field, washing hands thoroughly, using sterile gloves, and ensuring that all equipment used is sterile. By following these practices, the nurse can prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, reducing the likelihood of infection in the patient. While cleansing the perineal area with antiseptic solutions is important for general hygiene, the priority for infection prevention during catheterization lies in maintaining a sterile environment during the procedure. Administering prophylactic antibiotics is not routinely recommended for catheterization unless there are specific risk factors present.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most critical action to prioritize for ensuring patient safety during a cardiopulmonary exercise stress test is to monitor the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm continuously during the test (Option B). This monitoring allows the healthcare team to promptly detect any abnormal heart rhythms or signs of cardiac distress, enabling timely intervention if necessary. Continuous ECG monitoring is essential during exercise testing as it helps in assessing the heart's response to physical activity and identifying any potential cardiac abnormalities or complications that may arise during the test. By closely monitoring the ECG rhythm, the nurse can ensure the patient's safety and well-being throughout the procedure. Administering a beta-blocker medication before the test (Option A) may be indicated in some cases but is not as crucial as continuous ECG monitoring during the test. Encouraging the patient to consume a heavy meal before the test (Option C) is contraindicated as it can interfere with the accuracy of the results