A hospice nurse is caring for a 22-year-old with a terminal diagnosis of leukemia. When updating this patients plan of nursing care, what should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because providing realistic emotional preparation for death is a priority in caring for a patient with a terminal illness like leukemia. This helps the patient and their loved ones cope with the impending loss and make the most of the time left. Option A focuses solely on prolonging life, which may not align with the patient's wishes. Option B, providing financial advice, is important but not the top priority in this situation. Option D, maximizing family social interactions after the patient's death, is not immediate and does not address the patient's emotional needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, which is to arrange a referral to a community-based support program. This option is the most appropriate because it offers the patient ongoing support from individuals who understand what she is going through. Community-based support programs can provide a safe space for the patient to share her feelings, connect with others in similar situations, and access additional resources for coping. This intervention focuses on providing the patient with adequate support beyond the immediate recovery period, which is crucial for long-term coping and adjustment. Option A is incorrect as it may not consider the patient's individual needs for support beyond her spouse or partner. Option B may be premature as the patient might need time to process her diagnosis and surgery before moving on to the next phase of treatment. Option C may put undue pressure on the patient to maintain a specific emotional state for the sake of others, which may not be beneficial for her own coping and healing process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Viral set point. The viral set point refers to the stable level of HIV in the body after the initial infection. This state indicates a balance between viral replication and the immune response. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Static stage implies no change, which is not the case with HIV levels fluctuating; B) Latent stage refers to a period of inactivity, not the stable state described; D) Window period is the time between infection and detectable antibodies, not the equilibrium state described.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessment of nutritional status. Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakness commonly seen in cancer patients. Assessing the patient's nutritional status is crucial to address the underlying causes of cachexia and to develop an appropriate management plan. This assessment includes evaluating dietary intake, weight changes, body composition, and nutritional deficiencies. Choice A: Assessment of peripheral nervous function is not the priority in this case as cachexia is primarily related to metabolic and nutritional issues rather than peripheral nervous system dysfunction. Choice B: Assessment of cranial nerve function is also not the priority since cachexia is not directly associated with cranial nerve dysfunction. Choice D: Assessment of respiratory status may be important in general patient care, but in this case, addressing the underlying nutritional issues that are contributing to cachexia should be the priority.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Applying a protective eye shield at night is crucial for a patient with Bell's palsy to prevent corneal abrasions due to incomplete eyelid closure. This action helps protect the eye from dryness and injury, which can occur due to decreased blinking and moisture. It is essential to maintain eye health and prevent complications. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Chewing on the affected side does not prevent unilateral neglect in Bell's palsy. Instead, encouraging balanced chewing and facial exercises would be more beneficial. C: Avoiding the use of analgesics is not necessary for Bell's palsy management unless contraindicated, as pain management may be required for associated symptoms. D: Avoiding brushing the teeth is not recommended. Good oral hygiene is important for overall health, including maintaining oral health during Bell's palsy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bilateral mastectomy. This intervention involves removing both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. For a woman with a history of breast cancer in one breast, opting for bilateral mastectomy can significantly decrease the likelihood of cancer recurrence. This proactive approach is often recommended for individuals with a high risk of developing breast cancer. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: More aggressive chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is typically used to treat existing cancer cells, not as a prophylactic measure to prevent cancer. B: Left mastectomy - This option only removes the affected breast, not addressing the risk of cancer developing in the other breast. C: Radiation therapy - While radiation therapy can be used as part of the treatment for breast cancer, it is not a prophylactic measure to prevent future cancer development in the contralateral breast.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hold the condom by the cuff upon withdrawal. This is important because holding the condom by the cuff helps prevent any potential spillage of bodily fluids. During withdrawal, holding the condom by the base prevents it from slipping off and minimizes the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Attaching the condom prior to erection is incorrect as it may lead to breakage or slipping off during intercourse. B: Reusing a condom with the same partner is highly discouraged due to the risk of breakage, reduced effectiveness, and potential exposure to infections. C: Using skin lotion as a lubricant is not recommended as it can degrade the condom material, increasing the risk of breakage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because administering a lethal dose of medication to a patient whose death is imminent directly causes the patient's death, constituting assisted suicide. This action is intentional and aims to end the patient's life. In contrast, choices B, C, and D do not involve intentionally causing the patient's death. Choice B involves a medication error but not with the intent to end the patient's life. Choice C respects the patient's autonomy in refusing treatment. Choice D honors the patient's wishes for end-of-life care. Thus, only choice A aligns with the definition of assisted suicide.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in Goodpasture syndrome, the patient's immune system mistakenly targets normal constituents of the body, specifically the basement membrane of the kidneys and lungs. This autoimmune response leads to inflammation and damage in these organs, resulting in respiratory and renal dysfunction. Choice A is incorrect as immune complexes are not the primary mechanism in Goodpasture syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to T cell-mediated immune responses, which are not the main drivers in this condition. Choice D is incorrect as histamine release and cell lysis are not the main processes involved in Goodpasture syndrome.