A nurse is teaching a group of women about the potential benefits of breast self-examination (BSE). The nurse should teach the women that effective BSE is dependent on what factor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Effective breast self-examination (BSE) relies significantly on women's knowledge of their own breasts. Understanding how their breasts normally look and feel allows women to detect any changes such as lumps, dimpling, or discharge, which may be early signs of breast abnormalities like cancer. By being familiar with their breasts' normal appearance and texture, women can promptly seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes. This self-awareness and familiarity with their breasts are crucial in enabling women to perform BSE effectively and to detect any potential issues early on.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are common adverse effects of chemotherapy. Administering an antiemetic helps to prevent or reduce these symptoms in patients undergoing chemotherapy. By managing nausea and vomiting, the patient's overall well-being and quality of life during treatment can be improved. Therefore, providing an antiemetic medication is essential in combating these adverse effects and promoting patient comfort and compliance with treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Morbid obesity is a risk factor for developing a condition known as intertrigo, which is inflammation of the skin folds. In this case, the skin folds of the vulva are affected, leading to vulvitis. The warm and moist environment between the skin folds in obese individuals can promote the growth of microorganisms and the development of inflammation. This can result in symptoms such as tenderness and redness in the vulva. Since testing did not reveal the presence of any known causative microorganism, the patient's morbid obesity may be the underlying factor contributing to the symptoms of vulvitis. Treating the intertrigo and addressing the underlying obesity may help alleviate the symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the primary infection stage of HIV, the patient is newly infected with the virus. At this stage, the patient's immune system has not yet produced HIV-specific antibodies, making it difficult to detect HIV infection using standard antibody tests. Instead, the virus can be detected by testing for the presence of HIV RNA or p24 antigen. The primary infection stage is characterized by a high level of viral replication and rapid spread of the virus throughout the body. In this early stage, the patient may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The absence of HIV-specific antibodies means that the patient is highly infectious and can easily transmit the virus to others. As the infection progresses, the patient will eventually develop HIV-specific antibodies, which can be detected through antibody tests.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A. A risk factor is smoking: Smoking has been identified as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. It is important for the nurse to include this information during the teaching session to emphasize the importance of smoking cessation in reducing the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the patient is that the patient should discuss this new herbal remedy with her ophthalmologist promptly. This is essential because herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications or affect the patient's eye condition. The ophthalmologist can provide guidance on the safety and effectiveness of the herbal remedy in relation to the patient's glaucoma treatment plan. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of all treatments the patient is receiving to ensure coordinated and optimal care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The factor that most contributes to patients in hospice care not receiving adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness is the unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge that the patient is terminal. When patients and families are in denial or struggle to accept the terminal nature of the illness, they may avoid focusing on symptom management and comfort care that is essential in hospice care. This can prevent healthcare providers from effectively addressing and managing the patient's symptoms, leading to unnecessary suffering for the patient. Accepting the terminal nature of the illness allows for a shift in focus towards providing quality end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom management and comfort for the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the patient expresses fear of dying, the best response from the nurse would be to address the patient's concerns directly by asking, "Can you tell me what concerns you most about dying?" This response shows empathy and allows the patient to express their fears and thoughts openly. By understanding the specific concerns, the nurse can provide appropriate support and guidance to help alleviate the patient's fears and anxieties. It also opens up a dialogue for the nurse to provide information and reassurance based on the patient's individual needs and feelings.