Why is a precise amount of oxygen necessary for a patient with COPD to prevent which complication?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In patients with COPD, the respiratory drive is often stimulated by low oxygen levels. Administering too much oxygen can inhibit this hypoxic drive, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully regulate the oxygen therapy to prevent the inhibition of the respiratory hypoxic stimulus in COPD patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: All the listed interventions are essential for promoting patient safety. Assessing the patient's ability to ambulate and transfer helps prevent falls, demonstrating the signal system ensures effective communication in emergencies, and checking the patient's identification band aids in accurate identification and treatment. By combining these interventions, healthcare providers can enhance patient safety and quality of care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because side rails primarily function as a cognitive and physical reminder to patients, discouraging them from attempting to get out of bed without assistance. Research indicates that while side rails do not entirely prevent falls, they serve as a psychological barrier, prompting patients to reconsider their movements, especially those with impaired judgment or mobility issues. This aligns with the finding that 40% of patients still fall despite side rails, suggesting that while not foolproof, the rails reduce the likelihood of falls by acting as a deterrent rather than an absolute physical barrier. Choice A ("Side rails are ineffective") is incorrect because the data does not support a blanket conclusion that side rails have no utility. While 40% of patients may still fall, the remaining 60% may benefit from the rails' presence, indicating partial effectiveness. Side rails can mitigate risk even if they do not eliminate it entirely, and their effectiveness depends on patient-specific factors such as cognitive awareness and physical condition. Choice B ("Side rails should not be used") is incorrect because it disregards the potential benefits side rails offer in preventing falls for many patients. Eliminating side rails entirely could increase fall rates, particularly among high-risk individuals. Clinical guidelines often recommend side rails as part of a broader fall-prevention strategy, acknowledging that they are one of several tools to enhance patient safety, even if they are not universally effective. Choice C ("Side rails are a deterrent that prevents a patient from falling out of bed") is incorrect because it overstates their function. While side rails may deter some falls, the 40% fall rate demonstrates they do not fully prevent them. This choice implies an absolute guarantee of safety, which is not supported by evidence. Side rails are not fail-safe; patients may still climb over them, become entrapped, or experience falls due to other factors like confusion or muscle weakness. The key distinction lies in understanding that side rails are not a standalone solution but part of a multifaceted approach to fall prevention. Answer D correctly frames their role as a reminder, acknowledging their limitations while recognizing their value in patient care. The other choices either exaggerate their ineffectiveness (A and B) or their effectiveness (C), failing to capture the nuanced reality of fall prevention strategies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Patients with impaired awareness may exhibit symptoms such as being semiconscious, overfatigued, disoriented, confused, or demonstrating symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal. A patient who cannot care for themselves at home does not necessarily indicate impaired awareness, as this could be due to physical limitations or lack of support, rather than a cognitive deficit.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hip fracture is the most common injury among elderly persons. As people age, their bones become more fragile, making them more susceptible to hip fractures, often resulting from falls. These fractures can significantly impact an elderly person's quality of life and mobility, making them a significant concern in geriatric care.