A patient with terminal cancer experiences dyspnea and anxiety. Which intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with terminal cancer experiences dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and anxiety, opioid medications are often prioritized by palliative care providers for symptom management. Opioids are effective in relieving dyspnea by acting as respiratory depressants and reducing the feeling of air hunger. Additionally, opioids have sedative effects that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Therefore, in this situation, prescribing opioid medications would be the most appropriate intervention to address both the dyspnea and anxiety symptoms simultaneously. Oxygen therapy, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises may also be useful adjunctive interventions, but opioid medications are typically prioritized for immediate symptom relief in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of a palpable, non-tender mass in the right neck, just below the angle of the mandible, along with ultrasound imaging findings of a well-defined, hypoechoic lesion with cystic components, is classic for a branchial cleft cyst. Branchial cleft cysts are congenital anomalies that arise from remnants of the branchial clefts or pouches during embryonic development. They are typically located along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, just below the mandible. Ultrasound imaging often shows a cystic lesion with well-defined borders and hypoechoic content, which is consistent with the described findings. Thyroglossal duct cysts usually present as midline neck masses that move with swallowing or tongue protrusion, not in the location described in the scenario. Lymphadenopathy would present as enlarged lymph nodes that may be tender and associated with systemic symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's appropriate response is to provide the requested information clearly and directly. In this case, the client asked for the time, so the best response is to say "It is 10 o'clock" to answer their question promptly. Options A, C, and D do not address the client's question and may be perceived as dismissive or unhelpful.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when observing signs of distress and discomfort in a patient during assessment is to offer emotional support and actively listen to the patient's concerns. Ignoring the patient's distress may lead to worsening of the patient's condition and can be detrimental to the patient's well-being. Documenting the findings and informing the healthcare provider later is important but should not be the immediate response when a patient is in distress. Administering pain medication without further assessment is also not appropriate as the nurse needs to understand the underlying cause of the distress before providing appropriate interventions. Offering emotional support and actively listening to the patient's concerns can help the nurse understand the patient's needs, provide comfort, and potentially address the root cause of the distress.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The statement "Commitment to continual learning and active participation in the development and growth of the profession are commendable obligations" is typically found in a profession's Code of Ethics rather than specific laws or regulations like RA 7164, RA 10912, or RA 9173. Codes of Ethics serve as guidelines for professionals to uphold ethical standards and behavior within their respective fields. These codes often emphasize the importance of ongoing learning and professional development to ensure that practitioners stay current and competent in their practice. Therefore, the statement is most likely to be part of a Code of Ethics that guides professionals in their conduct and responsibilities.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary aim of this law is to regulate the practice of professional nursing within the country. By establishing regulations, standards, and guidelines for nursing practice, the law ensures that nurses provide safe and competent care to patients. It also sets forth licensing requirements, scope of practice, and ethical standards to maintain quality and consistency in nursing care delivery. While enhancing the competence of professional nurses, facilitating mobility of nurses, and promoting the well-being of health workers may be important secondary goals, the main focus of the law is to regulate and govern the practice of nursing within the country.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Long-term aspirin therapy, especially at higher doses, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is essential for the production of prostaglandins involved in mucosal protection of the gastrointestinal tract. Without these protective prostaglandins, the stomach lining becomes more susceptible to damage from gastric acid, leading to potential ulcer formation and bleeding. Patients with a history of coronary artery disease may be on aspirin for secondary prevention, and it is crucial to monitor for signs of bleeding such as black, tarry stools or abdominal pain. The benefits of aspirin in preventing cardiovascular events need to be weighed against the risk of adverse effects like gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in patients on long-term therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When working with Sandro, who is taking an MAOI and needs to be educated on avoiding foods with tyramine, the nursing diagnosis commonly used would be "impaired social interaction." This nursing diagnosis focuses on the client's difficulty in establishing or maintaining meaningful relationships with others. In this case, Sandro's dietary restrictions due to his medication may cause challenges in social situations, leading to potential feelings of isolation or inability to engage in social activities involving food. By identifying impaired social interaction as a nursing diagnosis, the nurse can address these issues and support Sandro in maintaining social connections while adhering to his dietary requirements.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When caring for patients with hyperbilirubinemia, the nursing care plan should focus on informing the significant others, preventing injury, and preventing complications. The primary goal in managing hyperbilirubinemia is to prevent complications associated with high bilirubin levels, such as kernicterus. Therefore, maintaining physiological homeostasis with bilirubin levels increasing would not be appropriate and should not be the focus of the nursing care plan. It is crucial to monitor and manage bilirubin levels to prevent adverse outcomes rather than allowing them to increase.