A patient has just been told that her illness is terminal. The patient tearfully states, I cant believe I am going to die. Why me? What is your best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "This must be very difficult for you." This response acknowledges the patient's emotional state and shows empathy without making assumptions or dismissing their feelings. It validates the patient's emotions and opens up the opportunity for further discussion or support. Rationale: 1. A: "I know how you are feeling" assumes the tutor knows the exact emotions of the patient, which can come off as insincere or dismissive. 2. B: "You have lived a long life" does not address the patient's emotional distress or provide comfort in the face of a terminal illness. 3. D: "Life can be so unfair" does not directly address the patient's feelings and may come off as generic or cliché.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Personality changes. Metastases to the brain can affect cognitive function and behavior, leading to personality changes. This is due to the impact on specific areas of the brain responsible for personality and behavior. Chronic pain (A) is more commonly associated with advanced cancer and not specific to brain metastases. Respiratory distress (B) is more likely related to lung cancer itself, not brain metastases. Fixed pupils (C) may indicate brainstem involvement, but personality changes are a more direct and common manifestation of brain metastases.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse sitting at the patient's bedside is using the personal zone of personal space, which ranges from 18 inches to 4 feet. This distance allows for a close interaction suitable for taking a nursing history while maintaining a professional yet personal connection. The socio-consultative zone (A) is 4-12 feet, more appropriate for professional interactions. The intimate zone (C) is 0-18 inches, too close for an initial nursing history. The public zone (D) is 12 feet or more, too distant for a personal conversation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is characterized by chronic vulvar pain or discomfort, including stabbing pain and burning, without an identifiable cause. In this case, the young girl is experiencing these symptoms despite not being sexually active, ruling out other conditions like vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva), vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina), and Bartholin's cyst (fluid-filled swelling near the vaginal opening). The absence of sexual activity suggests that the pain is not related to an infection or trauma, further supporting the diagnosis of vulvodynia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bilateral mastectomy. This intervention involves removing both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. For a woman with a history of breast cancer in one breast, opting for bilateral mastectomy can significantly decrease the likelihood of cancer recurrence. This proactive approach is often recommended for individuals with a high risk of developing breast cancer. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: More aggressive chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is typically used to treat existing cancer cells, not as a prophylactic measure to prevent cancer. B: Left mastectomy - This option only removes the affected breast, not addressing the risk of cancer developing in the other breast. C: Radiation therapy - While radiation therapy can be used as part of the treatment for breast cancer, it is not a prophylactic measure to prevent future cancer development in the contralateral breast.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Total placenta previa. In this condition, the placenta completely covers the cervix, posing a risk of severe bleeding during vaginal delivery. Cesarean birth is necessary to avoid potential life-threatening complications for both the mother and the baby. Partial abruptio placentae (choice A) involves premature separation of the placenta, but it doesn't always require a cesarean birth. Ectopic pregnancy (choice C) occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically requiring surgical intervention but not always a cesarean birth. Eclampsia (choice D) is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and seizures, but it doesn't always necessitate cesarean birth unless there are other complications that require it.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because primary brain tumors originate from cells within the brain itself. These tumors develop from abnormal growth of brain cells. Choice A is incorrect as primary brain tumors do not come from outside the central nervous system (CNS). Choice B is incorrect as primary brain tumors do not typically start in glands. Choice D is incorrect as primary brain tumors do not arise from nerve tissue elsewhere in the body. In summary, the nurse should explain to the patient that the tumor originated from cells within his brain to provide accurate information about the nature of primary brain tumors.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Viral set point. The viral set point refers to the stable level of HIV in the body after the initial infection. This state indicates a balance between viral replication and the immune response. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Static stage implies no change, which is not the case with HIV levels fluctuating; B) Latent stage refers to a period of inactivity, not the stable state described; D) Window period is the time between infection and detectable antibodies, not the equilibrium state described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because administering a lethal dose of medication to a patient whose death is imminent directly causes the patient's death, constituting assisted suicide. This action is intentional and aims to end the patient's life. In contrast, choices B, C, and D do not involve intentionally causing the patient's death. Choice B involves a medication error but not with the intent to end the patient's life. Choice C respects the patient's autonomy in refusing treatment. Choice D honors the patient's wishes for end-of-life care. Thus, only choice A aligns with the definition of assisted suicide.