A patient is prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant for the management of depression. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to have anticholinergic effects, which can lead to various cardiovascular side effects, including orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, and potential hypertension. While hypotension is a possible adverse effect, hypertension is more commonly associated with TCAs. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient for signs of hypertension, such as elevated blood pressure readings, to prevent any adverse outcomes and ensure the patient's safety while on this medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The extraneous variable in a study is a variable that is not the main focus of the study but could potentially impact the results. In this case, the length of stay is an extraneous variable because it is not directly related to the research question or objective of the study. The study is likely focused on factors such as patient age, complications, or date of admission, making the length of stay an irrelevant variable in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's lack of sensation in her right leg, allowing her cat to scratch her without her noticing, is indicative of neuropathy. Neuropathy is a common diabetic complication characterized by nerve damage that can result in loss of sensation or altered sensation in different parts of the body, including the extremities. In this case, neuropathy has likely affected the patient's right lower extremity, leading to her inability to feel the cat scratching her leg and resulting in the unnoticed scratches, infection, and subsequent cellulitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nurse Trining explained about confidentiality in relation to observing respect for privacy. Confidentiality is the duty to keep patient information private and not disclose it without the patient's consent. It is a fundamental principle in healthcare that helps build trust between patients and healthcare providers. By maintaining confidentiality, healthcare professionals uphold the ethical obligation to protect patients' privacy and sensitive information, ensuring that they feel safe and respected during their interactions with the healthcare system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nurse Parker functioned independently when she initiated the visit by arranging for the clergy to see patient Ximena. In this scenario, the nurse took the initiative on her own without needing approval or direction from others. She recognized the patient's request for spiritual guidance and took independent action to meet that need. Independently functioning in this context demonstrates the nurse's autonomy and ability to make decisions based on the patient's preferences and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: It is important for the nurse to have a direct and easily accessible means of communication with the patient who is expected to be in and out of the hospital due to their chronic illness like leukemia. By asking for the patient's phone number, the nurse can quickly reach out to them for updates, clarification, or any urgent matters that may arise. This direct communication line helps in ensuring continuity of care and addressing the patient's needs promptly. This approach is more practical and efficient compared to options such as asking the patient to call the hospital number listed in the yellow pages or relying on chart information which may not always be up to date. Writing down the number and giving it to the ward clerk may cause unnecessary delays in communication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability that becomes severe enough to interfere with daily life. It can affect memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Alzheimer's disease specifically is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually impairs the ability to carry out simple tasks. Therefore, the provided condition of having difficulty in processing stimuli and new information aligns with the symptoms commonly seen in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by wide QRS complexes and absence of P waves on electrocardiogram (ECG). Patients with VT may present with symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea, and syncope due to reduced cardiac output and ineffective pumping of the heart. VT is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent hemodynamic compromise and potential cardiac arrest. Stable angina typically presents with chest pain that is provoked by exertion and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves on ECG. Supraventricular tachycardia typically presents with a narrow QRS complex on ECG.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a specialized medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. In the context of the scenario provided, an MRI is ordered by the attending physician to validate the medical impression.