Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial to have a complete set of surgical instruments for any surgical procedure to ensure patient safety and the success of the surgery. If the nurse notices that the surgical instrument tray is incomplete, the best course of action is to inform the sterile processing department immediately. By doing so, the missing instruments can be promptly provided, ensuring that the surgical team has all the necessary tools for the procedure. Proceeding with the procedure using incomplete instruments can compromise patient safety and the quality of care provided. Documenting the missing instruments in the surgical count log is important for record-keeping purposes but should not delay the immediate action of requesting additional instruments. Borrowing instruments from another OR is not recommended as it can create confusion, potential cross-contamination, and disrupt the workflow of another surgical team.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a pregnant woman presenting with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 8 weeks gestation with a closed cervix, the most likely cause of these symptoms is a threatened abortion. A threatened abortion is a common complication of early pregnancy characterized by vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain without cervical dilation. The cervix remains closed, indicating that the pregnancy is still intact but at risk of potential miscarriage. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester, whereas ectopic pregnancy usually presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in the setting of a closed cervix but is less likely at 8 weeks gestation. Gestational trophoblastic disease is a rare cause of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy and typically presents in the first trimester with signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, uterine enlargement, and elevated β-hCG levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Used wet diapers and gloves should be disposed of in a black waste bin. Black waste bins are designated for general waste, which includes non-infectious materials that do not pose a risk of infection to others. Wet diapers and gloves fall under this category as they are considered non-infectious waste. Proper disposal in the black bin helps in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the healthcare setting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse sharing Mr. Steve's medical records with a group of visiting members of a medical mission team violates his right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his care should be treated as confidential. Patient confidentiality is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that protects a patient's privacy and sensitive information. Sharing medical records without the patient's consent breaches this confidentiality and can lead to legal and ethical consequences. It is important for healthcare providers to maintain the confidentiality of patient information to uphold trust between patients and healthcare professionals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) patients often struggle with breathing difficulties due to their conditions, hence it is important for them to conserve their energy as much as possible. Standing while performing activities like shaving or combing hair can be physically demanding for COPD patients as it requires more energy and can lead to increased shortness of breath. It is recommended for COPD patients to sit down or assume a supported position (like the tripod position with elbows supported on a table) to reduce the energy expended and minimize the strain on their respiratory system. Standing in front of the mirror while performing grooming activities is a task that can be easily modified to a seated position, thus conserving energy and reducing the risk of exacerbating breathing difficulties for COPD patients.