A patient with a brain tumor is admitted to the medical unit to begin radiation treatments. Which nursing action should take priority?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing the patient's pain level is the priority when caring for a patient with a brain tumor about to begin radiation treatments. Pain management is crucial in providing comfort and ensuring the patient's well-being during treatment. Teaching the patient about what to expect and addressing any pain promptly are essential steps in delivering effective care. Padding the side rails (choice A) is important for patient safety, but it is not the priority in this situation. Isolating the patient (choice D) is unnecessary unless there is a specific medical indication. Teaching the patient what to expect (choice B) is important but assessing and managing pain take precedence to ensure the patient's comfort and safety during treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because wearing gloves during all client contact is a key practice in standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Gloves act as a barrier to protect both the healthcare worker and the patient from potential pathogens. Choice B is incorrect as cleaning blood spills with soap and water is not sufficient for infection control. Choice C is incorrect because pouring bulk blood and secretions down a drain is a violation of biohazard disposal protocols. Choice D is incorrect as carrying a blood sample in an open basket can lead to potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client’s breathing will become easier. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps to reverse the severe respiratory symptoms. By administering epinephrine, it causes bronchodilation, which helps improve breathing by opening up the airways. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. B is incorrect because epinephrine typically causes an increase in blood pressure due to its vasoconstrictive effects. C is incorrect because angioedema is a potential side effect of anaphylaxis and would not be expected to increase after epinephrine administration. D is incorrect because epinephrine helps to improve alertness and consciousness by increasing blood flow to the brain.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a disease process involving the sacral plexus can impact bladder function (choice A), sexual activity (choice B), and bowel management (choice C). The sacral plexus is responsible for innervating pelvic organs and lower limb muscles, so dysfunction in this area can lead to issues in these functions. Bladder problems can manifest as urinary retention or incontinence, sexual activity may be affected due to changes in sensation or muscle control, and bowel management can be disrupted leading to constipation or incontinence. Therefore, assessing all these areas is crucial to understand the full impact of the disease process on the individual's quality of life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Positive reinforcement helps enhance communication skills in individuals with expressive aphasia. 2. Providing positive feedback when Mr. Reyea uses words correctly encourages him to continue trying to communicate. 3. It boosts his confidence and motivation, leading to improved verbal communication over time. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. Waiting indefinitely for Mr. Reyea to verbally state his needs may lead to frustration and hinder effective communication. C. Suggesting permanent help at home assumes Mr. Reyea's condition cannot improve, which is not necessarily true for expressive aphasia. D. Helping the family accept Mr. Reyea's communication challenges does not actively support his communication improvement and may limit his progress.