A client with autoimmune thrombocytopenia and a platelet count of 8,000/ul develops epistaxis and melena. Treatment with corticosteroids and immunoglobulins has been unsuccessful, and the physician recommends a splenectomy. The client states, “I don’t need surgery-this will go away on its own”. In considering her response to the client, the nurse must depend on the ethical principle of:

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Question 1 of 9

A client with autoimmune thrombocytopenia and a platelet count of 8,000/ul develops epistaxis and melena. Treatment with corticosteroids and immunoglobulins has been unsuccessful, and the physician recommends a splenectomy. The client states, “I don’t need surgery-this will go away on its own”. In considering her response to the client, the nurse must depend on the ethical principle of:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Autonomy. Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. In this scenario, the client is expressing her desire to not undergo surgery, which is her right as an autonomous individual. The nurse must respect her decision even if it goes against medical advice. Beneficence (A) is the ethical principle of doing good for the patient, but in this case, respecting the client's autonomy takes precedence. Advocacy (B) involves supporting the client's best interests, which could align with autonomy in this case. Justice (D) refers to fairness and equal treatment, but it is not directly applicable to the client's decision regarding surgery.

Question 2 of 9

A client with colon cancer requires a permanent colostomy because of the tumor location. After surgery, the client must learn how to irrigate the colostomy. When irrigating, how far into the stoma should the client insert the lubricated catheter?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 1” to 1.5”. When irrigating a colostomy, the client should insert the lubricated catheter about 1” to 1.5” into the stoma. This depth allows for effective irrigation of the colon without causing discomfort or damage. Inserting the catheter too shallow (choice A) may not reach the colon, while inserting it too deep (choices B and D) can cause injury or perforation. Therefore, the optimal depth of 1” to 1.5” ensures proper irrigation while minimizing risks of complications.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse is using the problem-oriented approach to data collection. Which action will the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Focus on the patient’s presenting situation. In the problem-oriented approach, the nurse prioritizes the patient's immediate concerns to address them effectively. By focusing on the presenting situation first, the nurse can gather relevant data and identify key issues. This step ensures that the nurse addresses the most pressing problems promptly. A: Completing questions in chronological order may not be necessary and could delay addressing the immediate concern. C: Making accurate interpretations of data should come after gathering relevant information about the presenting situation. D: Conducting an observational overview is important but should come after focusing on the patient's presenting situation to gather specific data.

Question 4 of 9

A client is admitted for a spelenectomy. What problem is the nurse aware that could develop?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Infection. After a splenectomy, the client is at risk for infection due to the spleen's role in the immune system. Without the spleen, the body's ability to fight infections is reduced. Infections can be serious and life-threatening. B: Urinary retention is not a typical complication of a splenectomy. C: Congestive heart failure is not directly related to a splenectomy. D: Viral hepatitis is not a common complication of a splenectomy.

Question 5 of 9

The nurse knows which of the following is true about immunity?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because antibodies are indeed produced by B-cells as part of the adaptive immune response. B-cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies to target specific antigens. This process is essential for generating immunity against pathogens. Incorrect Choices: A: Antibody-mediated defense occurs through the B-cell system, not the T-cell system. T-cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity. B: Cellular immunity is mediated by T-cells, not antibodies produced by B-cells. T-cells directly attack infected cells. D: Lymphocytes can increase during an allergic response, but this does not specifically relate to immunity through antibody production by B-cells.

Question 6 of 9

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving antibiotics to treat a gram-negative bacterial infection. Because antibiotics destroy the body’s normal flora, the nurse must monitor the client for:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diarrhea. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea. This occurs due to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. Monitoring for diarrhea is crucial to prevent dehydration and further complications. Platelet dysfunction (A), stomatitis (B), and oliguria/dysuria (C) are not typically associated with the disruption of normal flora by antibiotics. These symptoms are more likely related to other conditions or side effects of medications, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.

Question 7 of 9

During a breast examination, which finding most strongly suggests that the client has breast cancer?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a fixed nodular mass with dimpling of the overlying skin is highly indicative of breast cancer. This finding suggests an invasive tumor pulling on the skin, causing dimpling. Other choices are incorrect because slight breast asymmetry (A) is common, bloody nipple discharge (C) can be benign or due to other conditions, and multiple freely movable masses (D) are more indicative of benign breast conditions like fibrocystic changes.

Question 8 of 9

Which finding will alert the nurse that the goal has been met?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it meets the goal of maintaining a heart rate of 78 beats/min. This specific date ensures the consistency of the heart rate within the desired range. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the goal as they either have a different heart rate or occur on a different date. Therefore, A is the only option that accurately reflects the goal being met on the specified date.

Question 9 of 9

The nurse explains to a client that she will administer his first insulin dose in his abdomen. How does absorption at the abdominal site compare to absorption at other sites?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Abdominal injection sites have a higher blood supply, leading to faster absorption. 2. Insulin absorption is faster in areas with more blood vessels. 3. Rapid absorption at the abdomen results in quicker onset of action. 4. Other sites may have slower absorption due to less blood flow. Summary: A: Incorrect. Absorption is faster at abdominal sites due to increased blood flow. B: Incorrect. Absorption varies based on injection site blood supply. C: Correct. Abdominal injection sites have rapid insulin absorption. D: Incorrect. Insulin absorption is consistent based on blood flow at injection sites.

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