The nurse is preparing to administer a topical medication. Which of the following is the least correct about topical medications?
a. Realize that topical medications can provide local and systemic effects.
b. When applying a paste, cream, or ointment, use a sterile tongue depressor to remove the medication from the container.
c. Apply topical medications to moistened skin.
d. Assess, cleanse, and dry the skin.
C
Topical medications are given to deliver a drug either for a local effect on the skin or mucous membrane or for absorption into the blood stream for a systemic effect. Because secretions are produced by the skin and mucous membranes, the nurse should always implement standard precautions by wearing gloves when applying a topical drug. When applying a paste, cream, or ointment, the nurse should use a sterile tongue blade each time to dip into the medication. This prevents cross-contamination of the medication. Before applying a topical medication, the nurse should assess, cleanse, and dry the skin well.
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A child who has been hospitalized for a long time is preparing to go home, where care will be continued. Which action by the nurse is most beneficial to assist the family in this transition?
A. Advise the family to call the local visiting nurses association for home visits. B. Call the child's school to inquire about requirements for returning to school. C. Consult a social worker to help evaluate insurance coverage and transportation. D. Give the family brochures for the local support group for chronically ill children.
There are often unforeseen issues that emerge during the implementation phase of the life cycle. Which of the following may be considered a barrier?
1. Staff training 2. Poor communication 3. Employ a qualified nurse informatics specialist to lead the change. 4. Incorporate the suggestions of point-of-care staff
The nurse is preparing to perform a health assessment of the abdomen. In which order should the nurse perform the assessment?
1. Auscultate, percuss, palpate, inspect 2. Inspect, auscultate, palpate, percuss 3. Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate 4. Palpate, percuss, auscultate, inspect
The nurse is caring for an older Chinese adult male who is grimacing and appears restless after abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Ask the patient if he is anxious about his hospital stay. b. Ask a translator to conduct a FACES pain scale assessment. c. Ask the patient about pain and assess vital signs. d. Ask the patient about any history of depression or anxiety.