A 70-year-old woman who loves to garden has small, flat, brown macules over her arms and hands. She asks, "What causes these liver spots?' The nurse tells her:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the small, flat, brown macules described are consistent with lentigines (commonly known as age or liver spots), which are clusters of melanocytes that appear after prolonged sun exposure. This explanation directly addresses the patient's question about the cause of the spots and is supported by the clinical presentation. Choice A is incorrect because decreased hematocrit related to anemia would not cause these specific skin changes. Choice B is incorrect as destruction of melanin due to sun exposure would result in lighter spots, not dark brown macules. Choice D is incorrect because hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction would present differently and not primarily on sun-exposed areas like the arms and hands.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decrease intake of saturated fats. Saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels, leading to increased risk of heart disease and hypertension. Decreasing intake of saturated fats can help lower blood pressure. Incorrect choices: A: Increasing intake of foods high in sodium can worsen hypertension by increasing blood pressure. C: Increasing intake of processed foods often leads to higher sodium and saturated fat intake, worsening hypertension. D: Decreasing intake of fiber is not ideal as fiber helps in maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood pressure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the presence of a physical characteristic like a scar is an objective finding that can be directly observed and measured during a physical assessment. This information is not subject to interpretation or bias. In contrast, choices A, B, and C involve subjective information that relies on the patient's report or memory, making them less reliable and objective. History of allergies (A) and use of medications (B) are subjective and based on the patient's self-report, while last menstrual period (C) is also subjective and may not always be accurate. Therefore, choice D is the only objective piece of information among the options provided.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the inability to recall four unrelated words after a 30-minute delay indicates potential issues with short-term memory retention, which is concerning for cognitive impairment or memory disorders. This delay allows for the consolidation of memory, so failure at this point suggests a more significant problem compared to immediate recall. A: Not being able to give four unrelated words within 5 minutes may indicate some difficulty, but it does not necessarily indicate a severe issue as more time is typically allowed for this task. B: Inability to give four unrelated words within 30 seconds could be due to various factors such as anxiety or processing speed, but it does not necessarily indicate a memory issue. D: Not being able to recall four unrelated words after a 60-minute delay is expected to be more challenging than a 30-minute delay, so this alone does not raise as much concern as failing the 30-minute delay test.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots, improves circulation, aids in lung expansion, and promotes faster recovery. Pain management is important but encouraging mobility is a priority. Administering IV antibiotics is not necessary unless there is an infection present. Monitoring for signs of deep vein thrombosis is important but encouraging ambulation is a proactive approach to prevent its occurrence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A): 1. A critical cultural perspective recognizes that culture is dynamic and contextual. 2. It acknowledges that culture is not static but evolves over time. 3. Understanding culture as relational highlights the interconnectedness of people and their environment. 4. This perspective emphasizes the importance of considering historical, social, and political factors in analyzing culture. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: This choice assumes cultural homogeneity, which does not account for diversity and variation within cultures. C: While language and behavior are aspects of culture, they do not encompass the entirety of cultural expressions. D: This choice oversimplifies culture by suggesting it is solely influenced by environmental factors, neglecting social and historical dimensions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the small, flat, brown macules described are consistent with lentigines (commonly known as age or liver spots), which are clusters of melanocytes that appear after prolonged sun exposure. This explanation directly addresses the patient's question about the cause of the spots and is supported by the clinical presentation. Choice A is incorrect because decreased hematocrit related to anemia would not cause these specific skin changes. Choice B is incorrect as destruction of melanin due to sun exposure would result in lighter spots, not dark brown macules. Choice D is incorrect because hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction would present differently and not primarily on sun-exposed areas like the arms and hands.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Be totally honest with him, even if the information is unpleasant. This is the best approach because honesty builds trust and credibility, crucial in a healthcare setting. It allows the teenager to make informed decisions about his care and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Using periods of silence may be misinterpreted as indifference or lack of engagement. C: Promising total confidentiality may not be feasible in healthcare settings and could lead to potential harm if critical information needs to be shared with others for the patient's safety. D: Using slang language may come across as unprofessional and may hinder effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation and use of compression stockings. This intervention is crucial post-hip replacement to prevent complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Early ambulation helps prevent blood clots by promoting circulation, and compression stockings further aid in preventing deep vein thrombosis. Pain medication (A) is important but not the priority in preventing complications. Providing nutritional support (C) is also important but does not directly prevent post-operative complications. Monitoring for signs of infection (D) is essential but not as immediate as promoting early ambulation to prevent complications.