Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. The macula is responsible for central vision, crucial for tasks like reading and driving. Macular degeneration can lead to permanent vision loss if not managed promptly. The other choices are less likely to result in blindness: astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia are refractive errors that can be corrected with glasses or contacts, and they do not typically lead to blindness. The age and condition of the patient are important factors in determining the risk of blindness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Provide empathy and encouragement in an effort to foster a positive outlook. Rationale: 1. Empathy and encouragement are essential in establishing rapport and trust with the patient. 2. By fostering a positive outlook, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's anxiety and fears. 3. Encouraging a positive mindset can improve the patient's adherence to treatment. 4. It is important to address the patient's concerns and provide support rather than dismissing them. Summary: B: Telling the patient it is his decision may not address his emotional needs and could lead to further distress. C: Reporting the patient's statement to his support system may breach confidentiality and undermine trust. D: Referring the patient to social work may be premature without first addressing the patient's emotional concerns directly.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When a patient's level of consciousness declines and becomes unresponsive, it may indicate a potential overdose of analgesics. To ensure patient safety, IV analgesics should be withheld and replaced with transdermal analgesics, which provide a more controlled and gradual release of medication. This switch helps prevent further overdose and adverse effects. Continuing the current pain control regimen (Choice A) may worsen the situation. Placing the pain control regimen on hold (Choice B) may lead to inadequate pain management. Reducing analgesic dosages (Choice D) may not be sufficient in addressing the overdose issue.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bilateral mastectomy. This intervention involves removing both breasts to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. For a woman with a history of breast cancer in one breast, opting for bilateral mastectomy can significantly decrease the likelihood of cancer recurrence. This proactive approach is often recommended for individuals with a high risk of developing breast cancer. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: More aggressive chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is typically used to treat existing cancer cells, not as a prophylactic measure to prevent cancer. B: Left mastectomy - This option only removes the affected breast, not addressing the risk of cancer developing in the other breast. C: Radiation therapy - While radiation therapy can be used as part of the treatment for breast cancer, it is not a prophylactic measure to prevent future cancer development in the contralateral breast.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decreased fibrinogen. In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), there is widespread activation of coagulation leading to consumption of clotting factors like fibrinogen, resulting in decreased levels. Platelets are usually decreased, not increased, in DIC. Hematocrit may be elevated due to hemoconcentration but not directly related to DIC. Thromboplastin time would be prolonged, not decreased, in DIC due to consumption of clotting factors.