A 36-year-old man is scheduled for a unilateral orchiectomy for treatment of testicular cancer. He is withdrawn and does not interact with the nurse. Which action is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D is the most appropriate action in this scenario because it demonstrates empathy and opens the door for the patient to express his concerns. By acknowledging the patient's withdrawn behavior and directly inquiring about his feelings regarding the diagnosis or treatment, the nurse creates an opportunity for the patient to share his thoughts and concerns. This open-ended question allows the patient to express himself without any assumptions or judgments. It shows that the nurse is attentive, supportive, and willing to listen to the patient's emotional needs during this challenging time.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: One beef cube typically contains about 800mg of sodium, and 8oz of tomato juice contains approximately 480mg of sodium. Therefore, to provide a total of 1,600mg of sodium daily, the nurse could supplement the patient's diet with one beef cube (800mg sodium) and 12oz of tomato juice (720mg sodium). This combination would effectively provide the required 1,600mg of sodium per day for the patient with abnormal sodium losses.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypokalemia is indicated in Ms. CC's decreased muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes. Potassium is an essential electrolyte for muscle function, including maintaining muscle tone and supporting proper nerve conduction for reflexes. When potassium levels are low, it can lead to muscle weakness, decreased muscle tone, and reduced deep tendon reflexes. With severe diarrhea, potassium is often lost along with fluids, leading to a potential electrolyte imbalance such as hypokalemia. Additionally, hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle cramps, and fatigue, further supporting the presence of this electrolyte imbalance in Ms. CC.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring daily intake and output is the most reliable method for assessing fluid balance in a patient. By accurately measuring the amount of fluids taken in through foods, drinks, and IV fluids, as well as the amount of fluids eliminated through urine, stool, vomit, and other means, healthcare providers can closely track the body's fluid balance. Discrepancies between intake and output can indicate potential issues such as dehydration or fluid overload. This method provides quantitative data that can guide appropriate interventions and treatment adjustments to maintain the patient's fluid balance within normal limits. While vital signs, daily weight, and skin turgor are also important indicators of fluid status, they may not always provide as specific or accurate information as the direct measurement of intake and output.