A nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension. The nurse should educate the patient to monitor for which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Severe headaches and blurred vision. These symptoms can indicate a hypertensive crisis, a severe complication of hypertension. Headaches and blurred vision are signs of potentially dangerous high blood pressure levels. Weight loss and fatigue (B), increased appetite and tremors (C), and nausea and vomiting (D) are not typical complications of hypertension and do not directly relate to the cardiovascular effects of high blood pressure. Monitoring for severe headaches and blurred vision is crucial for early detection and management of hypertensive crises.

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: 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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial for patients with diabetic neuropathy to prevent complications like foot ulcers. Daily foot inspections can catch any signs of injury early, allowing for prompt treatment. It helps in preventing infections and serious complications. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Exercising to improve circulation - While exercise is beneficial for overall health, it may not directly address the risk of injury due to neuropathy. C: Eating more protein-rich foods - While a balanced diet is important for managing diabetes, protein-rich foods do not specifically address the risk of foot injuries in diabetic neuropathy. D: Using tight-fitting shoes to prevent blisters - Tight-fitting shoes can actually increase the risk of blisters and injuries, especially in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crossing the legs at the knees. This position can cause hip dislocation due to the twisting motion it creates on the hip joint. When the legs are crossed at the knees, it puts stress on the hip joint, potentially leading to dislocation. Choice B: Sitting with the feet flat on the floor is a safe position that does not put undue stress on the hip joint. Choice C: Sleeping on the affected side can also increase the risk of hip dislocation due to the pressure and weight placed on the hip joint in this position. Choice D: Using assistive devices for ambulation is important for stability and support, and it does not directly contribute to hip dislocation if used correctly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Increased sputum production is a sign of COPD exacerbation due to worsening inflammation and mucus production. 2. Decreased respiratory rate is not typical in COPD exacerbation as patients often experience increased respiratory effort. 3. Low blood pressure is not a common sign of COPD exacerbation and is more likely related to other conditions or medications. 4. High fever is not a typical sign of COPD exacerbation and could indicate an infection or other underlying issue.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: I will take my rescue inhaler only during an asthma attack. This statement indicates a need for further education because using a rescue inhaler only during an asthma attack is not the correct way to manage asthma. The purpose of a rescue inhaler is to provide quick relief during an asthma attack, but it should also be used as a preventive measure before exposure to known triggers or before exercise to prevent symptoms. Options B, C, and D all demonstrate good understanding of asthma management by indicating the importance of avoiding triggers, using the inhaler preventively, and carrying the inhaler at all times for emergency situations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because all aspects of mental health in children are indeed interrelated. Mental health encompasses various components such as emotional, social, and psychological well-being, which are interconnected and influence each other. Understanding and assessing mental health in children require considering the holistic picture. Choice B is incorrect because children are not inherently labile and unstable until the age of 2 years. Choice C is incorrect as children's mental health is influenced by various factors beyond just their parents' mental health. Choice D is incorrect because mental health assessment in children can be done using age-appropriate methods even before they develop the ability to concentrate.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it directly acknowledges the patient's distress and sets the stage for gathering essential information. By stating the need to ask questions about what happened, it shows empathy and readiness to provide help. Choice A is too formal and lacks empathy. Choice B shifts the focus away from the patient's distress. Choice C is similar to D but lacks the crucial element of acknowledging the patient's emotional state. Thus, D is the best choice for an opening statement in this scenario.