foundation of nursing practice questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient who has had a cervical diskectomy is experiencing severe pain with a sudden onset, which can be indicative of a complication such as bleeding, infection, or nerve impingement. The nurse's most appropriate action is to call the surgeon immediately to report the patient's pain. The surgeon needs to be informed promptly so that a further assessment can be made and appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the cause of the sudden pain. Palpating the surgical site or removing the dressing without consulting the surgeon first may worsen the situation or increase the risk of complications. Administering an NSAID is not appropriate in this situation without further evaluation and guidance from the surgeon. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the patient receives timely and appropriate care by involving the surgeon in the decision-making process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: At present, the most reliable method for verification of placement of small-bore feeding tubes is x-ray examination. X-ray allows for direct visualization of the tube's placement within the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring it is correctly positioned in the stomach without any risk of inadvertent placement in the lungs, pharynx, or esophagus. This method provides a definitive confirmation of tube placement, which is crucial for patient safety during enteral feeding. While pH testing and aspiration of contents can be useful as supplementary methods, x-ray remains the gold standard for verifying tube placement due to its precision and accuracy. Auscultation, on the other hand, is no longer recommended as a reliable method for tube placement verification, as it may lead to misinterpretation of sounds and potential errors in placement assessment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient who has had a cervical diskectomy is experiencing severe pain with a sudden onset, which can be indicative of a complication such as bleeding, infection, or nerve impingement. The nurse's most appropriate action is to call the surgeon immediately to report the patient's pain. The surgeon needs to be informed promptly so that a further assessment can be made and appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the cause of the sudden pain. Palpating the surgical site or removing the dressing without consulting the surgeon first may worsen the situation or increase the risk of complications. Administering an NSAID is not appropriate in this situation without further evaluation and guidance from the surgeon. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the patient receives timely and appropriate care by involving the surgeon in the decision-making process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the assessment of a patient with potential placenta previa or abruptio placentae, the nurse should pay close attention to the amount and characteristics of vaginal bleeding. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding, which can be sudden and significant. Therefore, a saturated perineal pad within a short period of time (1 hour) is more indicative of placenta previa, as opposed to abruptio placentae which usually presents with painful vaginal bleeding and may not necessarily saturate a perineal pad quickly. Monitoring the amount of bleeding and keeping track of pad saturation over time can provide valuable information to differentiate between these two conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with AIDS experiencing extreme anxiety is to teach the patient guided imagery. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help the patient reduce anxiety levels, promote a sense of calm, and improve overall well-being. By teaching the patient how to use guided imagery, the nurse empowers the patient to manage her anxiety in a non-pharmacological way. This intervention promotes self-care and allows the patient to have a tool to use independently beyond the hospital setting. Giving the patient more control of her antiretroviral regimen may be beneficial for adherence but does not directly address the anxiety symptoms. Increasing the patient's activity level may be helpful for overall well-being but may not specifically target the extreme anxiety. Collaborating with the patient's physician to obtain an order for hydromorphone, a potent opioid medication, is not appropriate unless it is indicated for severe pain management, not anxiety.