A patient confides to the nurse that he cannot engage in sexual activity. The patient is 27 years old and has no apparent history of chronic illness that would contribute to erectile dysfunction. What does the nurse know will be ordered for this patient to assess his sexual functioning?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nocturnal penile tumescence tests are used to assess erectile dysfunction in men who are unable to engage in sexual activity. It measures the frequency and strength of erections that occur during sleep, which can provide valuable information about a man's erectile function and whether there may be underlying physiological causes for his inability to engage in sexual activity. This test can help determine if the patient's erectile dysfunction is due to physical or psychological factors. A sperm count, ejaculation capacity tests, and engorgement tests are not typically ordered to assess sexual functioning in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: One of the most significant challenges experienced by patients with hearing loss who are adapting to using a hearing aid for the first time is learning to cope with the amplification of background noise. When a person starts using a hearing aid after experiencing hearing loss, they may find that the device picks up not only the sounds they want to hear but also surrounding noises, such as background chatter, traffic noise, or ambient sounds. This sudden increase in volume and clarity of background noise can be overwhelming and challenging for the individual to adjust to. It can affect their ability to focus on conversations or specific sounds they are trying to hear, leading to frustration and potentially causing them to avoid using the hearing aid altogether. Supporting the patient in gradually acclimating to these new sounds and providing strategies for managing background noise can help improve their overall experience with the hearing aid.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take when observing the surgical dressing saturated with serosanguineous drainage is to reinforce the dressing and reassess in 1 to 2 hours. Serosanguineous discharge is a common type of drainage following surgery, as it is a mixture of blood and serum. It is expected in the early stages of wound healing and does not necessarily indicate infection. By reinforcing the dressing and closely monitoring the drainage over the next couple of hours, the nurse can assess if the amount of drainage is decreasing or escalating. If there are any signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or excessive purulent discharge, then the nurse should notify the physician promptly. Until then, it is appropriate to continue observing and managing the drainage within the expected range.

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.

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 most appropriate action for a patient with H. pylori is to encourage completion of antibiotic therapy. H. pylori is a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers, and treatment involves a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Antibiotic therapy is crucial in eliminating the bacteria and preventing complications such as recurrent ulcers or stomach cancer. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize ensuring that the patient completes the prescribed course of antibiotics to effectively treat the H. pylori infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of treatment that can help reduce symptoms for individuals with severe allergies to substances such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This treatment involves exposing the patient to small, increasing doses of the allergen over time to help the immune system gradually build up a tolerance. Patients with severe allergies to grass and tree pollen would most likely benefit from immunotherapy as it can help reduce their allergy symptoms and improve their quality of life. On the other hand, individuals with anaphylactic reactions to insect stings (Choice A), allergies to eggs and dairy (Choice B), or a positive tuberculin skin test (Choice C) are not typically candidates for immunotherapy as their conditions are not related to the type of allergies that are commonly treated with this method.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Placing the drainage bag on the side rail of the bed could allow the bag to be raised above the level of the bladder and urine to flow back into the bladder. The urine in the drainage bag is a medium for bacteria; allowing it to reenter the bladder can cause infection. A key intervention to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections is prevention of urine back flow from the tubing and bag into the bladder. All the other actions are correct procedures and do not require immediate follow-up. The drainage bag should be emptied when it is half full to prevent tension and pulling on the catheter, which could result in trauma to the urethra and increase the risk for urinary tract infections. Urine specimens are traditionally obtained by temporarily kinking the tubing, while securing the catheter tubing to the patient’s thigh prevents catheter dislodgment and tissue injury.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate information for the nurse to tell the patient is option A, which states that this condition puts her at a higher risk for cervical cancer; therefore, she should have a Papanicolaou (Pap) test annually. Condylomata acuminata, or genital warts, is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain strains of HPV, specifically types 16 and 18, are considered high-risk strains that can lead to cervical cancer in women. Therefore, regular Pap tests are crucial for early detection of any cervical changes that could indicate pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. It is important for the patient to be informed about this risk and the importance of regular screening to monitor her cervical health.