An oncology nurse is caring for a patient who has developed erythema following radiation therapy. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area. This is because petroleum jelly helps to soothe and protect the skin, reducing dryness and irritation caused by radiation therapy. Ice (A) can further damage the skin, shaving (B) can increase the risk of infection, and soap (D) can be too harsh on the sensitive skin. Therefore, instructing the patient to apply petroleum jelly is the most appropriate recommendation to promote skin healing and comfort.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve (cranial nerve VIII). Exostoses (A) are bony growths in the ear canal, not related to cranial nerve VIII. Otalgia (B) refers to ear pain, not hearing loss. Presbycusis (D) is age-related hearing loss, not specifically related to damage of the end organ for hearing or cranial nerve VIII. Therefore, C is the most appropriate term to describe the given condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking time off from work to mourn allows the nurse to process their emotions and prevent burnout. This self-care step promotes mental well-being and helps prevent the nurse from being overwhelmed by their grief. Choice B is incorrect as it may prolong the grieving process and create a constant reminder of the loss. Choice C could potentially burden the patient's family with the nurse's grief, making it an inappropriate action. Choice D, attending the memorial service, may be emotionally challenging and may not provide the nurse with the necessary space to cope with their grief effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. Step 2: The radiation exposure in a mammogram is minimal and considered safe. Step 3: Choice A is correct as it states that mammograms do not use radiation, which is accurate. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect because B wrongly implies that annual mammograms are safe due to low radiation levels, C is incorrect as radiation effects can accumulate over time, and D is incorrect as the amount of radiation in a mammogram is much lower than an hour of sunlight.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a protein level of 2 mg/100 mL in urine indicates proteinuria, which can be a sign of kidney dysfunction or other underlying health issues. The nurse should follow up to assess further for possible kidney disease or other conditions. Choice B is not a cause for concern as a urine output of 80 mL/hr is within the normal range. Choice C indicates concentrated urine, which may be due to dehydration but does not necessarily require immediate follow-up. Choice D is within the normal range for urine pH and does not typically warrant immediate follow-up.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. If fetal blood enters the mother's circulation during pregnancy or childbirth, the mother's immune system can produce antibodies against Rh-positive red blood cells, leading to potential harm to future pregnancies. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Rh incompatibility does not occur when the fetus is Rh-negative, the father is Rh-positive, or both the father and fetus are Rh-negative.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: D - Proper hand hygiene techniques Rationale: 1. Clostridium difficile is mainly spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. 2. Proper hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of bacteria. 3. Hand hygiene removes bacteria from hands, reducing the risk of transmission. 4. Appropriate disposal (A) is important but doesn't directly prevent spread. Monthly in-services (B) and mandatory cultures (C) are not as effective as hand hygiene in preventing transmission.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: African Americans. African American men have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer among all ethnic groups. This is due to genetic and environmental factors, as well as disparities in access to healthcare. Native Americans (A), Caucasian Americans (B), and Asian Americans (D) have lower rates of prostate cancer compared to African Americans. It is important to educate the local men's group about this increased risk in African Americans to promote awareness and early detection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): Checking with the pharmacy for availability of liquid forms of medications is the best action because it reduces the risk of clogging the nasogastric tube. Liquid medications are less likely to cause blockages compared to nonliquid medications. Additionally, liquid forms are easier to administer through the tube. By using liquid medications, the nurse can ensure that the medications flow smoothly through the tube without causing any obstructions. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Instilling nonliquid medications without diluting can increase the risk of tube clogging. B: Irrigating the tube with water after all medications are given may not prevent clogging effectively and could introduce unnecessary moisture into the tube. C: Mixing all medications together can lead to potential drug interactions and may not address the issue of tube clogging effectively.