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

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Question 1 of 9

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.

Question 2 of 9

Which of the following is the best choice for an opening statement with a patient who is in distress?

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.

Question 3 of 9

Which statement correctly exemplifies a critical cultural perspective?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A): 1. A critical cultural perspective recognizes that culture is dynamic and contextual. 2. It acknowledges that culture is not static but evolves over time. 3. Understanding culture as relational highlights the interconnectedness of people and their environment. 4. This perspective emphasizes the importance of considering historical, social, and political factors in analyzing culture. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: This choice assumes cultural homogeneity, which does not account for diversity and variation within cultures. C: While language and behavior are aspects of culture, they do not encompass the entirety of cultural expressions. D: This choice oversimplifies culture by suggesting it is solely influenced by environmental factors, neglecting social and historical dimensions.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a hip replacement. The nurse should educate the patient to avoid which of the following to prevent hip dislocation?

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.

Question 5 of 9

A 16-year-old boy has just been admitted for overnight observation after being in an automobile accident. What is the nurse's best approach to communicating with him?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Be totally honest with him, even if the information is unpleasant. This is the best approach because honesty builds trust and credibility, crucial in a healthcare setting. It allows the teenager to make informed decisions about his care and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Using periods of silence may be misinterpreted as indifference or lack of engagement. C: Promising total confidentiality may not be feasible in healthcare settings and could lead to potential harm if critical information needs to be shared with others for the patient's safety. D: Using slang language may come across as unprofessional and may hinder effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient.

Question 6 of 9

Which of the following best describes a proficient nurse?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a proficient nurse should have a holistic view of the patient's situation, focusing on long-term goals rather than just completing tasks. This approach ensures comprehensive care and better outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it implies reliance on rules over experience. Choice B is incorrect because intuition alone may not always lead to the best solution. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes daily plans rather than long-term goals.

Question 7 of 9

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.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is assessing a patient with a history of hypertension. Which of the following findings would be most concerning?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A blood pressure reading of 160/100 mm Hg is most concerning because it falls within the hypertensive crisis range, indicating severely elevated blood pressure that requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications like stroke or heart attack. Choices B, C, and D are within the prehypertension or mild hypertension ranges and are not as immediately concerning.

Question 9 of 9

A 70-year-old woman who loves to garden has small, flat, brown macules over her arms and hands. She asks, "What causes these liver spots?' The nurse tells her:

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.

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