Why is it important for a nurse to move a victim of a common respiratory toxin to higher ground immediately?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and toxicology, it is crucial for a nurse to understand the principles of toxic gas behavior to provide effective patient care. The correct answer, option B, states that toxic vapors stay close to the ground. This is important to note because many toxic gases are denser than air, causing them to settle at lower levels rather than disperse upwards. Moving a victim to higher ground helps reduce their exposure to these toxic vapors, as the concentration decreases with height. Option A, stating that toxins flow to lower ground, is incorrect because the movement of toxic gases is more influenced by their density and environmental factors than gravitational forces. Option C, claiming toxins are always released close to the ground, is too absolute and does not consider scenarios where toxins may disperse differently. Option D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the behavior of toxic substances, as some gases can indeed rise and disperse in the air. Educationally, this question reinforces the importance of understanding the behavior of toxic substances in the environment to make informed decisions in emergency situations. Nurses must be able to quickly assess and respond to toxic exposures to minimize harm to patients. By knowing that toxic vapors tend to stay close to the ground, nurses can take appropriate actions to protect and move patients to safer locations during hazardous incidents.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) A patient who needs enemas and antibiotics to control GI bacteria. This task is appropriate for the LPN/LVN because it falls within their scope of practice and aligns with their training and skill set. Administering enemas and antibiotics to control GI bacteria is a common nursing intervention that does not require the advanced assessment and critical thinking skills of an RN. Option A is not the best choice for the LPN/LVN because managing a patient with severe anemia secondary to GI bleeding may involve complex assessments, monitoring, and interventions that are more suited for an RN due to the potential for rapid deterioration and need for prompt decision-making. Option C involves pre-op teaching for bowel resection surgery, which requires a comprehensive understanding of the surgical procedure, potential complications, and post-operative care. This task is best assigned to the RN who has the expertise to provide in-depth education and support to the patient. Option D involves central line insertion for chemotherapy, which is a high-risk procedure requiring specialized training and skills that are typically within the RN's scope of practice. LPN/LVNs may not have the necessary training and competency to safely perform this task. In an educational context, it is crucial for nursing students to understand the scope of practice for different members of the healthcare team to ensure safe and effective patient care delegation. By assigning appropriate tasks based on individual skill levels and competencies, the team can optimize patient outcomes and promote professional growth among team members.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Assist the patient to brush and floss. This task is appropriate to delegate to the LPN/LVN because it falls within their scope of practice and does not require advanced nursing knowledge or assessment skills. Oral hygiene is essential for patients with oral cancer to prevent complications such as infections. LPN/LVNs are trained to provide basic hygiene care and can assist patients with brushing and flossing under the supervision of a registered nurse or dentist. Option B) Giving antacids and sucralfate suspension requires a higher level of assessment and understanding of pharmacology, making it more suitable for a registered nurse to administer. Option C) Recommending saliva substitutes may involve assessing the patient's specific needs and preferences, which is beyond the scope of an LPN/LVN. Option D) Explaining contraindications for brushing and flossing requires a deeper understanding of the patient's condition and treatment plan, making it more appropriate for a registered nurse or healthcare provider to discuss with the patient. In an educational context, understanding delegation of tasks is crucial for effective teamwork in healthcare settings. LPN/LVNs play a vital role in providing direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses, and knowing which tasks are within their scope of practice ensures safe and efficient patient care delivery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with osteogenic sarcoma, it is essential to be vigilant for elevations in calcium levels (Option B). Osteogenic sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, can lead to the destruction of bone tissue, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. This can result in hypercalcemia, which can have serious consequences such as kidney stones, cardiac arrhythmias, and neurological symptoms. Option A (Sodium) is incorrect because osteogenic sarcoma does not directly affect sodium levels. Option C (Potassium) is incorrect as well, as this cancer type does not typically impact potassium levels significantly. Option D (Hematocrit) is also incorrect, as osteogenic sarcoma does not directly affect red blood cell volume. Educationally, understanding the relationship between specific types of cancer, such as osteogenic sarcoma, and associated laboratory abnormalities is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers. Monitoring and recognizing these changes promptly can help in early intervention and preventing complications in patients undergoing treatment for osteogenic sarcoma.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In caring for a patient with neutropenia, delegating tasks to a nursing assistant must consider the patient's compromised immune system. Reporting temperature elevations >100.4°F is crucial because fever can indicate infection, which poses a significant risk to neutropenic patients. Therefore, option B is correct as it involves timely identification of a potential complication. Tasks A, C, and D should not be delegated to a nursing assistant for a patient with neutropenia. Taking vital signs every 4 hours (option A) requires clinical judgment to assess trends and potential signs of deterioration, which is beyond the scope of a nursing assistant. Assessing for symptoms like sore throat, cough, or burning with urination (option C) involves detecting early signs of infection, which requires nursing assessment skills. Gathering supplies for protective isolation (option D) involves understanding the rationale behind isolation protocols and the importance of preventing infections, which requires a higher level of training. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind task delegation in neutropenic patients emphasizes the importance of patient safety and the need for appropriate skill levels when assigning responsibilities in healthcare settings. This scenario illustrates the critical thinking and clinical judgment required in nursing practice when caring for patients with complex conditions like neutropenia.