The patient asks the nurse what these numbers specifically mean. What is a correct response by the nurse?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A person whose vision is measured at 20/40 can see an object from 40 feet away that a person with 20/20 vision can see from 20 feet away. In this measurement system, the first number represents how far away the person is from the eye chart (the testing distance), and the second number indicates how far away a person with normal vision can be from the chart to see the same line of letters or objects. Therefore, if someone has 20/40 vision, it means they need to be at 20 feet to see what a person with 20/20 vision can see at 40 feet.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a patient is experiencing a seizure and begins vomiting, the priority action for the nurse is to turn the patient onto their side. This position helps to prevent aspiration, which can occur when the patient inhales vomit into their lungs. Turning the patient on their side allows for the vomit to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration and maintaining a clear airway. Performing oral suctioning would be necessary after turning the patient on their side, but it is not the initial priority in this situation. Paging the physician and inserting a tongue depressor are not appropriate actions during a seizure and vomiting episode.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Blurred vision is a common adverse effect of pilocarpine, a miotic agent commonly used for open-angle glaucoma. It occurs due to the constriction of the pupil, which can affect the patient's ability to focus clearly. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to explain to the patient that blurred vision is an expected adverse effect of the medication. This reassurance can help alleviate the patient's concerns and improve their understanding of the medication therapy. Holding the next dose and notifying the physician is not necessary in this situation as blurred vision is a known side effect and treating the patient for an allergic reaction or suggesting that the patient put on her glasses would not address the underlying cause of the blurred vision.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate information for the nurse to tell the patient is option A, which states that this condition puts her at a higher risk for cervical cancer; therefore, she should have a Papanicolaou (Pap) test annually. Condylomata acuminata, or genital warts, is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain strains of HPV, specifically types 16 and 18, are considered high-risk strains that can lead to cervical cancer in women. Therefore, regular Pap tests are crucial for early detection of any cervical changes that could indicate pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. It is important for the patient to be informed about this risk and the importance of regular screening to monitor her cervical health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: One of the most significant challenges experienced by patients with hearing loss who are adapting to using a hearing aid for the first time is learning to cope with the amplification of background noise. When a person starts using a hearing aid after experiencing hearing loss, they may find that the device picks up not only the sounds they want to hear but also surrounding noises, such as background chatter, traffic noise, or ambient sounds. This sudden increase in volume and clarity of background noise can be overwhelming and challenging for the individual to adjust to. It can affect their ability to focus on conversations or specific sounds they are trying to hear, leading to frustration and potentially causing them to avoid using the hearing aid altogether. Supporting the patient in gradually acclimating to these new sounds and providing strategies for managing background noise can help improve their overall experience with the hearing aid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient undergoing interstitial implant for high-dose radiation (HDR) for prostate cancer will emit radiation that poses a risk to others. Limiting the time that visitors spend at the patient's bedside is essential to minimize their exposure to radiation. It is important to follow safety measures to protect both the patient and others from potential harm. Other options such as teaching the patient to perform basic care independently, assigning male nurses, or situating the patient in a shared room with other brachytherapy patients do not directly address the safety concern of radiation exposure to visitors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize educating the patient on the importance of keeping appointments for desensitization procedures. Immunotherapy involves gradually increasing exposure to allergens to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions. Missing desensitization appointments can lead to interruptions in treatment and potentially decrease the effectiveness of the therapy. It is crucial for the patient to adhere to the scheduled appointments as prescribed by the healthcare provider to ensure the success of the immunotherapy treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Patients with Meniere's disease are often advised to limit their intake of salt as excess salt can worsen symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. Shellfish tend to be high in sodium, so patients with Meniere's disease should be instructed to avoid or limit their consumption of shellfish to help manage their condition. It is important for the nurse to provide comprehensive diet education to the patient to help them minimize symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient who has had a cervical diskectomy is experiencing severe pain with a sudden onset, which can be indicative of a complication such as bleeding, infection, or nerve impingement. The nurse's most appropriate action is to call the surgeon immediately to report the patient's pain. The surgeon needs to be informed promptly so that a further assessment can be made and appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the cause of the sudden pain. Palpating the surgical site or removing the dressing without consulting the surgeon first may worsen the situation or increase the risk of complications. Administering an NSAID is not appropriate in this situation without further evaluation and guidance from the surgeon. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the patient receives timely and appropriate care by involving the surgeon in the decision-making process.