If the patient is unable to talk, how should the nurse BEST communicate to the patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient is unable to talk, the nurse can best communicate with the patient by using picture cards. Picture cards can help the patient convey their needs, feelings, or responses by pointing to the corresponding pictures. This method allows for effective communication and understanding between the patient and the nurse, even when verbal communication is not possible. It promotes patient autonomy and ensures that their needs are accurately communicated and addressed. Additionally, picture cards can be a useful tool in reducing frustration and anxiety for patients who are unable to communicate verbally.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presentation described in the question (sensation of fullness and pressure in the left ear, hearing loss, occasional tinnitus, retracted tympanic membrane with decreased mobility on pneumatic otoscopy) is suggestive of serous otitis media, also known as otitis media with effusion. Serous otitis media occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear without signs of infection. This buildup of fluid in the middle ear space can cause the tympanic membrane to retract and reduce its mobility on pneumatic otoscopy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia. One of the positive effects of Clozapine is the reduction of psychotic symptoms experienced by the patient, such as hallucinations (not hearing loss). Clozapine is effective in managing both positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking) and negative symptoms (apathy, social withdrawal, lack of motivation) of schizophrenia. It is known for its efficacy in reducing hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms, helping the patient to lead a more stable and functional life.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as a blood loss of more than 500 ml within the first 24 hours after vaginal delivery or more than 1000 ml following a cesarean delivery. Excessive bleeding can lead to hypovolemic shock and can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Therefore, a blood loss of more than 500 ml/24 hours would lead the nurse to suspect a postpartum hemorrhage and prompt further assessment and intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A pituitary adenoma is a type of benign tumor that arises from the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. When a pituitary adenoma grows large enough, it can compress surrounding structures, including the optic chiasm – the point at which the optic nerves cross over in the brain. Compression of the optic chiasm can lead to symptoms such as vision problems (e.g., visual disturbances), headaches, and nausea/vomiting, which are consistent with the presentation described in the question. Meningiomas, glioblastoma multiforme, and medulloblastomas are less likely to compress the optic chiasm and present with different characteristic symptoms based on their locations and growth patterns.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the case of Romy being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and undergoing palliative treatment, the most appropriate nursing action is to focus on providing relief from symptoms. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses by managing their symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and other side effects of treatment. As the cancer is advanced and the goal is not curative treatment but rather to keep the patient comfortable, symptom management becomes a priority to ensure Romy's physical comfort and well-being during this difficult time. Providing relief from symptoms is crucial in palliative care to help enhance the patient's quality of life and ensure they are as comfortable as possible.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best approach to address the patient's fear of pain is to provide accurate information about pain management strategies and options. In doing so, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's concerns by empowering them with knowledge and potential solutions for managing pain during and after the procedure. By acknowledging the patient's fear and addressing it with practical information, the nurse can build trust, reduce anxiety, and create a more supportive and collaborative environment for the patient. Dismissing, ignoring, or invalidating the patient's fear would not be effective in addressing the underlying concerns and could potentially lead to increased distress and resistance to the recommended procedure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary objective of a birth plan is to provide a pregnant woman the opportunity to outline her wishes and preferences regarding her labor, delivery, and postpartum care. It allows the mother-to-be to communicate her desires to the healthcare team in advance, ensuring that her preferences are considered and respected during the birthing process. A birth plan typically covers various aspects such as pain management options, who she wants present during labor, interventions she may want to avoid, plans for after birth care, and any other specific requests she may have. Ultimately, a birth plan aims to empower the woman to have a more personalized and satisfying birth experience by actively involving her in the decision-making process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: One of the main consequences of hypoxemia, which is low oxygen levels in the blood, is decreased oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are bound to oxygen. When there is insufficient oxygen in the blood due to hypoxemia, the oxygen saturation levels will drop. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, rapid heart rate, and ultimately can result in tissue damage if not corrected promptly. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is crucial in the immediate post-operative phase to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation for the patient's recovery.