The mother of two young children has been diagnosed with HIV and expresses fear of dying. How should the nurse best respond to the patient?

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Question 1 of 9

The mother of two young children has been diagnosed with HIV and expresses fear of dying. How should the nurse best respond to the patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the patient expresses fear of dying, the best response from the nurse would be to address the patient's concerns directly by asking, "Can you tell me what concerns you most about dying?" This response shows empathy and allows the patient to express their fears and thoughts openly. By understanding the specific concerns, the nurse can provide appropriate support and guidance to help alleviate the patient's fears and anxieties. It also opens up a dialogue for the nurse to provide information and reassurance based on the patient's individual needs and feelings.

Question 2 of 9

A patient who has AIDS is being treated in the hospital and admits to having periods of extreme anxiety. What would be the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with AIDS experiencing extreme anxiety is to teach the patient guided imagery. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help the patient reduce anxiety levels, promote a sense of calm, and improve overall well-being. By teaching the patient how to use guided imagery, the nurse empowers the patient to manage her anxiety in a non-pharmacological way. This intervention promotes self-care and allows the patient to have a tool to use independently beyond the hospital setting. Giving the patient more control of her antiretroviral regimen may be beneficial for adherence but does not directly address the anxiety symptoms. Increasing the patient's activity level may be helpful for overall well-being but may not specifically target the extreme anxiety. Collaborating with the patient's physician to obtain an order for hydromorphone, a potent opioid medication, is not appropriate unless it is indicated for severe pain management, not anxiety.

Question 3 of 9

The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old woman whose aunt and mother died of breast cancer. The patient states, My doctor and I talked about Tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer. Do you think it will work? What would be the nurses best response?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's best response should be to provide accurate information and manage the patient's expectations realistically. Tamoxifen is known to have a slight protective effect in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk individuals like the patient in the scenario. However, it is not a guarantee against developing breast cancer. It is essential for the nurse to convey this information to the patient to ensure that she understands the benefits and limitations of Tamoxifen therapy. Additionally, discussing potential side effects and risks associated with Tamoxifen, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis, is important for the patient to make an informed decision about her health care.

Question 4 of 9

The patient hasH. pylori. Which action shouldthe nurse take?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action for a patient with H. pylori is to encourage completion of antibiotic therapy. H. pylori is a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers, and treatment involves a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Antibiotic therapy is crucial in eliminating the bacteria and preventing complications such as recurrent ulcers or stomach cancer. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize ensuring that the patient completes the prescribed course of antibiotics to effectively treat the H. pylori infection.

Question 5 of 9

A patient comes to the clinic complaining of a tender, inflamed vulva. Testing does not reveal the presence of any known causative microorganism. What aspect of this patients current health status may account for the patients symptoms of vulvitis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Morbid obesity is a risk factor for developing a condition known as intertrigo, which is inflammation of the skin folds. In this case, the skin folds of the vulva are affected, leading to vulvitis. The warm and moist environment between the skin folds in obese individuals can promote the growth of microorganisms and the development of inflammation. This can result in symptoms such as tenderness and redness in the vulva. Since testing did not reveal the presence of any known causative microorganism, the patient's morbid obesity may be the underlying factor contributing to the symptoms of vulvitis. Treating the intertrigo and addressing the underlying obesity may help alleviate the symptoms.

Question 6 of 9

The nurse caring for a patient diagnosed with Parkinsons disease has prepared a plan of care that would include what goal?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease often experience speech and communication difficulties due to the effects of the disease on the muscles involved in speech production. This can manifest as soft, slurred speech or difficulty articulating words. Therefore, promoting effective communication would be an essential goal in the plan of care for a patient with Parkinson's disease. This goal may involve strategies such as speech therapy, communication devices, or providing a conducive environment to facilitate clearer communication between the patient and healthcare providers. By focusing on promoting effective communication, the nurse can help improve the patient's quality of life and enhance their ability to express their needs and concerns.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.

Question 8 of 9

An older adult patient has been diagnosed with macular degeneration and the nurse is assessing him for changes in visual acuity since his last clinic visit. When assessing the patient for recent changes in visual acuity, the patient states that he sees the lines on an Amsler grid as being distorted. What is the nurses most appropriate response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Distorted lines on an Amsler grid can be an indication of changes in central vision, which is commonly seen in macular degeneration. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to arrange for the patient to visit his ophthalmologist promptly for further evaluation and management. The ophthalmologist will be able to determine the severity of the visual changes, provide appropriate treatment options, and closely monitor the progression of macular degeneration. This proactive approach ensures that the patient receives timely and specialized care for his condition. Options A, B, and D do not directly address the urgency of the situation and the need for specialized ophthalmologic evaluation in cases of macular degeneration.

Question 9 of 9

A nurse is beginning to use patient-centered careand cultural competence to improve nursing care. Which step should the nurse takefirst?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Assessing own biases and attitudes is the first step a nurse should take when beginning to use patient-centered care and cultural competence to improve nursing care. By becoming more aware of one's biases and attitudes about human behavior, the nurse can enhance self-awareness and self-reflection. This self-awareness is vital in understanding one's own perspectives, beliefs, and values that may influence interactions with patients from different cultural backgrounds. It also allows the nurse to identify areas that may require improvement or further education. Understanding and addressing personal biases is fundamental to providing patient-centered care and avoiding potential cultural misunderstandings that may arise in the healthcare setting.

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