A nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of hypertension and reports a new onset of headaches, nausea, and dizziness. The nurse should be most concerned about which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertensive crisis. The nurse should be most concerned about this option because the patient has a history of hypertension and is experiencing new onset symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which could indicate a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. Summary: - B: Migraine headache is unlikely as the symptoms described are not typical of a migraine. - C: Benign positional vertigo is unlikely as it does not explain the presence of headaches and nausea. - D: Tension headache is less concerning compared to hypertensive crisis, given the patient's history of hypertension and the severity of symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased wheezing and shortness of breath. During an asthma exacerbation, bronchial airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to increased wheezing and shortness of breath. This is a classic sign of worsening asthma. Other choices are incorrect because: A) Decreased work of breathing is not expected in an asthma exacerbation as the patient usually struggles to breathe. C) Improved oxygen saturation is unlikely as airway obstruction can lead to decreased oxygen levels. D) Decreased sputum production is not a typical sign of asthma exacerbation; in fact, increased sputum production may occur due to airway inflammation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspection. This is because visual observation is typically the initial step in a physical assessment to gather information about the patient's overall appearance, skin color, posture, and any obvious abnormalities. Palpation (A) involves touching and feeling for abnormalities, which usually follows inspection. Percussion (C) is the technique of tapping on the body to assess underlying structures, and auscultation (D) is listening to sounds produced by the body, both of which typically come after inspection and palpation. Inspecting the patient first allows the nurse to establish a baseline before moving on to more detailed assessment techniques.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows respect for the patient's belief and promotes open communication. By asking the patient to explain more about the hot-cold theory, the nurse acknowledges the patient's perspective and builds a trusting relationship. Option A dismisses the patient's belief, risking alienation. Option B is informative but misses the opportunity to understand the patient's cultural beliefs. Option C is unprofessional and does not address the patient's concerns.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Regularly checking blood glucose levels is crucial for diabetic patients to monitor their condition and adjust treatment as needed. This helps in managing blood sugar levels effectively and preventing complications. Choice B is incorrect because stopping insulin abruptly can lead to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Choice C is incorrect because while exercise is important for diabetic patients, vigorous exercise every day may not be suitable for everyone and should be discussed with healthcare providers. Choice D is incorrect as carbohydrates are an essential source of energy and nutrients for the body. Diabetic patients can still consume carbohydrates in controlled portions as part of a balanced diet.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Please point to articles in the room and parts of the body as I name them. This is the most important assessment for mental health in an aphasic patient post-stroke because it evaluates their comprehension, communication abilities, and cognitive function. Pointing to articles and body parts demonstrates understanding and ability to follow instructions, which are crucial aspects of mental health assessment in this context. A: Please count back from 100 by sevens - This choice involves memory and mathematical abilities, which may not accurately assess mental health in an aphasic patient. B: I will name three items and ask you to repeat them in a few minutes - This choice tests memory recall, which is not as relevant for assessing mental health in an aphasic patient post-stroke. D: What would you do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope on the sidewalk? - This choice assesses problem-solving skills, which may not be the most appropriate indicator of mental health in an aphasic patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Encouraging early ambulation Rationale: 1. Early ambulation helps prevent post-operative complications like blood clots and pneumonia. 2. Movement promotes circulation, aids in lung expansion, and prevents muscle atrophy. 3. It also supports bowel function and helps prevent constipation, a common post-operative issue. 4. Ambulation aids in overall recovery and reduces the risk of complications associated with prolonged immobility. Other Choices: B: Administering pain medication - Important for comfort but not the top priority for preventing complications. C: Providing wound care and dressing changes - Necessary for wound healing but not the immediate priority to prevent complications. D: Monitoring for signs of infection - Critical but not the primary intervention to prevent complications immediately post-op.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse's response was therapeutic by sharing her own experience to empathize with the patient. This helps establish a connection and validate the patient's feelings. It shows understanding without dismissing the patient's concerns. A is incorrect because the nurse did not provide false reassurance but offered a comforting perspective. C is incorrect as the nurse did not imply that medication was necessary but rather highlighted its availability as an option. D is incorrect since the response did not provide false assurance but rather shared personal experience to offer support.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory failure. Patients with COPD have impaired lung function, making them at risk for respiratory failure due to inadequate oxygenation. This can occur due to exacerbation of COPD, infections, or other factors. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress is crucial. A: Pneumonia - While patients with COPD are at higher risk for pneumonia due to impaired lung function, respiratory failure is a more immediate and critical complication to monitor for in this scenario. C: Hypoglycemia - COPD does not directly increase the risk of hypoglycemia, so monitoring for this complication is not a priority in this case. D: Hypertension - Although some patients with COPD may have hypertension, it is not a common complication directly related to COPD. Monitoring for respiratory failure is more essential in this situation.