A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with thrombocytopenia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize to ensure the safety of the patient?

Choice A reason: Improving public transportation to the clinic would indeed make it easier for residents to access healthcare services. However, this strategy alone does not directly address the cultural and specific health needs of the Hispanic community.

Choice B reason: Obtaining low-cost medications for clinic patients can alleviate some financial burdens and improve access to necessary treatments. While this is beneficial, it does not tackle the root of health disparities related to cultural differences and health beliefs.

Choice C reason: Teaching clinic staff about cultural health beliefs is crucial for reducing health care disparities and promoting health equity. Understanding the cultural background, health beliefs, and practices of the Hispanic community allows healthcare providers to deliver more culturally competent and patient-centered care, building trust and improving health outcomes.

Choice D reason: Updating equipment and supplies at the clinic can enhance the quality of care provided. However, without addressing the cultural competency of the healthcare staff, this strategy does not directly impact health equity or reduce disparities specific to the Hispanic community.

Choice A reason: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. Tissue plasminogen activators (tPAs) are not used for this condition, as they are primarily designed to dissolve blood clots, not to address fibrotic changes in the lungs.

Choice B reason: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs, particularly the lungs and lymph glands. It involves the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells called granulomas. Tissue plasminogen activators are not used in the treatment of sarcoidosis since the condition is not related to blood clots but rather to immune system dysregulation.

Choice C reason: Atelectasis is the complete or partial collapse of a lung or lobe of a lung due to alveoli deflation. The treatment typically focuses on re-expanding the lung tissue through techniques such as deep breathing exercises, bronchoscopy, or mechanical ventilation. Tissue plasminogen activators are not relevant for this condition, as they are used to dissolve blood clots, not to treat lung collapse.

Choice D reason: Pulmonary embolus (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). Tissue plasminogen activators are used to treat PE because they can effectively dissolve the blood clots obstructing the pulmonary arteries, thereby restoring normal blood flow and preventing further complications.