A nurse is teaching a patient about managing high cholesterol. Which of the following dietary changes would be most beneficial for lowering cholesterol?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreasing intake of trans fats. Trans fats are known to increase LDL cholesterol levels, which are considered "bad" cholesterol. By reducing trans fats in the diet, the patient can lower their cholesterol levels. Saturated fats (choice A) can also increase LDL cholesterol, so increasing intake is not beneficial. Dietary fiber (choice B) helps lower cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system, so decreasing intake would not be beneficial. Processed sugars (choice D) do not directly impact cholesterol levels, so increasing intake would not help lower cholesterol. Overall, choosing option C is the most effective dietary change for managing high cholesterol.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because using the inhaler every 30 minutes for trouble breathing is not recommended. Overuse can lead to medication side effects and potential worsening of symptoms. A: Holding breath after inhaling helps medication reach lungs. B: Using inhaler before exercise can prevent exercise-induced symptoms. D: Rinsing mouth prevents thrush, a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask the patient to lie flat and breathe normally. This position allows for optimal lung expansion, making it easier to hear breath sounds accurately. Asking the patient to lie flat also provides a consistent baseline for comparison across different patients. A: Asking the patient to take deep breaths before auscultation may alter their normal breathing pattern and make it difficult to assess baseline lung sounds accurately. B: Having the patient sit upright can be helpful for certain assessments, but lying flat is preferred for auscultating lung sounds. C: Examining for symmetry is important but not directly related to the optimal position for auscultation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Losing weight and increasing physical activity help manage blood pressure by reducing excess body weight, improving heart function, and enhancing blood flow. This leads to lower blood pressure levels. A: Increasing sodium intake would worsen hypertension by promoting fluid retention and raising blood pressure. C: Consuming more processed foods often includes high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and additives that can negatively impact blood pressure. D: Limiting fluid intake is not a primary lifestyle change for managing hypertension; adequate fluid intake is important for overall health and blood pressure regulation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. Patients with chronic liver disease are at risk for developing jaundice due to impaired liver function leading to the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates worsening liver function. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic liver disease, more commonly seen in diabetes. B: Hyperglycemia - Not typically associated with chronic liver disease unless the patient has underlying diabetes. D: Anemia - Can be a complication of chronic liver disease, but monitoring for jaundice takes priority due to its direct association with liver dysfunction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient's family to bring in the medications will ensure accurate identification and understanding of the medications. This step is crucial in ensuring the patient's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect as appearance alone may not provide accurate information. Choice B is dismissive and does not address the issue. Choice C focuses on duration rather than addressing the immediate concern of medication identification.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because determining if the patient can afford her medications is crucial in managing her diabetes effectively. Financial constraints can significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to treatment, leading to poor health outcomes. By addressing affordability, the nurse can ensure the patient can access and comply with the prescribed medications. A, finding out why the patient is not compliant, is not the priority at this stage as addressing affordability comes first. B, reinforcing health teaching related to diet and exercise, is important but secondary to ensuring access to medications. D, sending the patient to the diabetic clinic for follow-up, is not as critical as addressing immediate financial concerns.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Document the findings on the patient's record. This is the appropriate action because documenting the unfamiliar sound ensures that the information is accurately recorded for future reference. Waiting 10 minutes (B) may not address the issue, as the sound could still be present. Asking another nurse to double-check (C) may lead to subjective interpretations. Asking the patient to take deep breaths (D) may not be relevant to identifying the unfamiliar sound. Recording the finding is crucial for tracking changes in the patient's condition and communicating with other healthcare professionals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse would expect the patient to demonstrate functional independence in activities like transferring from a wheelchair to the bed despite having a leg in a cast. This response indicates good mobility and strength, which are positive signs of recovery. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the functional assessment of the patient. Choice A provides historical information, choice B focuses on pain management, and choice C mentions a self-care routine that is not related to functional ability.