Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is the structure responsible for transporting food from the oral cavity to the esophagus during swallowing. When food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the oral cavity, it forms a bolus that is propelled to the pharynx by the tongue. The pharynx serves as a common passageway for both air and food, allowing the bolus to pass into the esophagus while preventing it from entering the trachea. The epiglottis, although important in preventing food from entering the airway, is not directly involved in the transportation of food from the oral cavity to the esophagus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient arrives in the emergency room, the nurse's first priority is to assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation, following the ABCs of emergency care. In this scenario, positioning the patient with the head lower than the extremities ensures proper blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain. This position helps to maintain perfusion to the brain and prevent complications such as hypotension and shock. Once the patient's position is optimized, the nurse can proceed with further interventions such as starting an intravenous line, stopping bleeding, and requesting laboratory examinations as needed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Breach of duty is the element of malpractice that occurs when the nurse does not act as a reasonable, prudent person would have acted in a similar circumstance. This means that the nurse failed to uphold the standard of care expected in their practice. In a malpractice case, it must be proven that the nurse breached their duty of care towards the patient by not providing the expected level of skill and care that another reasonable nurse in the same situation would have provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A trimalleolar fracture is characterized by fractures involving the lateral malleolus (distal fibula), medial malleolus (distal tibia), and the posterior tubercle of the distal tibia. This fracture pattern results in instability of the ankle joint and is often associated with widening of the ankle mortise on X-ray. The deformity and swelling seen in this patient are indicative of a trimalleolar fracture and are typically caused by a high-energy injury, such as a forceful twisting motion. Treatment for trimalleolar fractures often involves surgical intervention to stabilize the ankle joint and restore normal function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct charting rule to keep the nurse legally safe is to document worries and all concerns as verbalized by the patient (Choice I). This is important for accurately reflecting the patient's condition, communication, and potential interventions. Charting at the end of the shift only (Choice II) is not recommended as it can lead to missed important details or delayed documentation. Discussing recorded cases and diagnoses of the patient (Choice III) breaches patient confidentiality and violates HIPAA laws. Recording all information verbalized by the patient and family (Choice IV) may include unnecessary details and could potentially lead to misinterpretation or misunderstanding, which might not be legally advantageous.