A middle-aged female patient has been offered testing for HIV/AIDS upon admission to the hospital for an unrelated health problem. The nurse observes that the patient is visibly surprised and embarrassed by this offer. How should the nurse best respond?

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Question 1 of 9

A middle-aged female patient has been offered testing for HIV/AIDS upon admission to the hospital for an unrelated health problem. The nurse observes that the patient is visibly surprised and embarrassed by this offer. How should the nurse best respond?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B is the best response for the nurse to provide in this situation. By stating that the testing is offered to every adolescent and adult regardless of lifestyle, appearance, or history, the nurse conveys that HIV testing is a standard practice and not targeting the patient specifically. This can help reduce the patient's feeling of embarrassment or stigma associated with the offer of testing. It also emphasizes the importance of universal screening for HIV to promote early detection and treatment, regardless of risk factors or demographics. This response helps maintain the patient's dignity and encourages them to consider the testing in a non-judgmental way.

Question 2 of 9

A 35-year-old man is seen in the clinic because he is experiencing recurring episodes of urinary frequency, dysuria, and fever. The nurse should recognize the possibility of what health problem?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms of urinary frequency, dysuria, and fever in a 35-year-old man are indicative of chronic bacterial prostatitis. Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be caused by bacterial infection. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is characterized by recurrent episodes of infection leading to symptoms like urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria, and sometimes fever. It is important to identify and treat chronic bacterial prostatitis promptly to prevent complications and improve quality of life for the patient.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient hospitalized with AIDS. A friend comes to visit the patient and privately asks the nurse about the risk of contracting HIV when visiting the patient. What is the nurses best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best response is option C - "AIDS isn't transmitted by casual contact." This response is accurate and provides the necessary information to address the friend's concern. It is important to educate the friend that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through casual contact such as visiting a patient in the hospital. By stating this fact clearly, the nurse can help alleviate any unfounded fears or misconceptions the friend may have about contracting HIV while visiting the patient. This response promotes understanding and helps reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, while also emphasizing the importance of accurate information in preventing the spread of the virus.

Question 4 of 9

A patient expresses concerns over having blackstool. The fecal occult test is negative. Which response by the nurse is mostappropriate?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Black or tarry stools can be caused by certain medications and supplements, such as iron supplements. Since the fecal occult test is negative, it indicates that bleeding is not occurring. Therefore, in this situation, it is important to consider factors that can affect the color of stool, including iron supplementation. Addressing this question can help determine the cause of the black stool and provide appropriate guidance or reassurance to the patient. This response shows a comprehensive understanding of potential causes and demonstrates a thoughtful approach in addressing the patient's concern.

Question 5 of 9

The nurse is planning discharge education for a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. The nurse knows to include information about factors that precipitate an attack. What would the nurse be correct in teaching the patient to avoid?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe facial pain due to irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve. Factors such as touching or lightly brushing the face, chewing, speaking, or even encountering a breeze can trigger an attack. Therefore, activities like washing the face that involve touching or stimulating the trigeminal nerve can precipitate an attack in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. It is important for patients to be aware of these triggers to help manage and prevent episodes of pain.

Question 6 of 9

A patient has been admitted to the neurologic ICU with a diagnosis of a brain tumor. The patient is scheduled to have a tumor resection/removal in the morning. Which of the following assessment parameters should the nurse include in the initial assessment?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most critical assessment parameter to include in the initial assessment of a patient with a brain tumor scheduled for surgery is the gag reflex. The gag reflex is a protective mechanism that prevents the entry of foreign objects into the airway and lungs. Patients undergoing brain tumor resection may be at risk for impaired gag reflex due to the effects of the tumor on cranial nerves or related structures. Identifying any impairment in the gag reflex is essential to prevent aspiration during and after the surgical procedure. Monitoring the gag reflex allows the healthcare team to take necessary precautions to protect the patient's airway and prevent complications. Therefore, assessing the gag reflex is crucial in the care of a patient with a brain tumor undergoing surgery.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse is providing discharge education for a patient with a new diagnosis of Mnires disease. What food should the patient be instructed to limit or avoid?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Patients with Meniere's disease are often advised to limit their intake of salt as excess salt can worsen symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. Shellfish tend to be high in sodium, so patients with Meniere's disease should be instructed to avoid or limit their consumption of shellfish to help manage their condition. It is important for the nurse to provide comprehensive diet education to the patient to help them minimize symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Question 8 of 9

While a patient is receiving IV doxorubicin hydrochloride for the treatment of cancer, the nurse observes swelling and pain at the IV site. The nurse should prioritize what action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Swelling and pain at the IV site can indicate extravasation, which is the leakage of a vesicant medication like doxorubicin hydrochloride into the surrounding tissues. It is crucial to stop the administration of the drug immediately upon suspicion of extravasation to minimize tissue damage and potential complications. By stopping the administration promptly, further harm can be prevented, and early interventions can be initiated to mitigate the effects of the extravasation. Notifications to the physician and appropriate actions, such as aspiration of any remaining drug, may follow after discontinuing the infusion.

Question 9 of 9

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been recently diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer. The patient refuses to accept the diagnosis and refuses to adhere to treatment. What is the most likely psychosocial purpose of this patients strategy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient may be trying to protect loved ones from the emotional effects of the illness. This behavior could be a form of denial, a defense mechanism where the individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of the diagnosis in order to shield their loved ones from distress. By rejecting the diagnosis and refusing treatment, the patient may believe that they are preventing their family and friends from experiencing the emotional pain associated with the illness. This behavior is a common coping mechanism in response to overwhelming and distressing news like a terminal illness diagnosis. It serves a psychosocial purpose of trying to protect others from suffering, even though it may not align with the patient's best interest in terms of receiving appropriate medical care.

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