While preparing the surgical instruments for sterilization, the nurse notices that the autoclave is not reaching the required temperature. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial to ensure that the autoclave is functioning properly to achieve proper sterilization of surgical instruments. If the autoclave is not reaching the required temperature, it signifies a technical issue that needs to be addressed promptly. The nurse should notify the sterile processing department immediately and request maintenance to investigate and resolve the problem. Continuing with sterilization without addressing the temperature issue can compromise the effectiveness of sterilization and pose a risk of infection to patients. Adjusting the settings on the autoclave or using an alternative method of sterilization are not appropriate actions in this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Reflecting the patient's feelings and expressions is a therapeutic communication technique that involves mirroring back the patient's emotions and thoughts. By doing this, the nurse validates the patient's experiences and helps them explore their feelings further. This technique can enhance the patient's self-awareness and promote emotional expression, leading to a deeper understanding of their conflicting emotions. Offering advice (Option A) may not be as effective because the focus should be on helping the patient process their own emotions. Providing reassurance and false hope (Option B) can hinder the patient's emotional exploration and may lead to trust issues if the reality does not align with the false reassurance. Redirecting the conversation to a different topic (Option D) avoids addressing the patient's conflicting emotions, which is crucial for therapeutic communication and support.

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.