The patient is an 80-year-old male who is visiting the clinic today for a routine physical examination. The patient’s skin turgor is fair, but the patient reports fatigue and weakness. The skin is warm and dry, pulse rate is 116 beats/min, and urinary sodium level is slightly elevated. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drink more water to prevent further dehydration. Given the patient's fair skin turgor, fatigue, weakness, warm and dry skin, elevated pulse rate, and slightly elevated urinary sodium level, these are signs of dehydration. Increasing water intake would help improve the patient's hydration status. Other choices are incorrect because B (calorie-dense fluids) does not address the dehydration issue, C (milk and dairy products) does not directly address the symptoms presented, and D (grapefruit juice) is not essential for hydration in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ineffective Airway Clearance. In a patient with AIDS and PCP, maintaining clear airways is crucial to prevent respiratory distress and hypoxia. Pneumocystis pneumonia can cause thick secretions and mucus plugging, leading to difficulty breathing. Ensuring effective airway clearance is a priority to optimize oxygenation and prevent respiratory complications. Impaired oral mucous membranes (B) and imbalanced nutrition (C) are important considerations but not as immediate as airway clearance. Activity intolerance (D) may be a concern for the patient but ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Normal deep tendon reflexes. This indicates a therapeutic level of magnesium sulfate as it shows that the medication is effectively preventing hyperreflexia, a common sign of magnesium toxicity. Drowsiness (choice A) can indicate toxicity. Urinary output of 20 mL/hour (choice B) is not specific to magnesium sulfate levels. Respiratory rate of 10 to 12 breaths per minute (choice D) is indicative of respiratory depression, a sign of magnesium toxicity. Thus, choice C is the best assessment to indicate a therapeutic level of medication in a patient with preeclampsia taking magnesium sulfate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A minimum data set. In a long-term care setting funded by Medicare and Medicaid, completing standardized protocols for assessment and care planning for reimbursement involves using a minimum data set, which is a standardized instrument for assessing residents' health status. This set of data elements is necessary for comprehensive assessment and care planning to ensure appropriate reimbursement. The other choices (B, C, D) do not specifically address the standardized protocols required for reimbursement in this setting. An admission assessment and acuity level would be part of the process, but not the primary task being completed in this scenario. A focused assessment on a specific body system or an intake assessment form and auditing phase are not synonymous with the standardized protocols needed for reimbursement in a Medicare/Medicaid-funded long-term care facility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain an interpreter. This is the best action as it ensures effective communication and accurate understanding of the patient's history and needs. Using a professional interpreter maintains confidentiality, avoids misinterpretation, and promotes cultural sensitivity. Referring to a speech therapist (B) is not appropriate for language barriers. Letting a family member talk (C) may compromise privacy and accuracy. Finding a mental health nurse specialist (D) is not needed for language translation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protecting the safety of the patient, family, and staff. This is the priority when planning care for a patient undergoing radiation therapy due to the potential risks of radiation exposure to others. Ensuring safety involves implementing proper radiation safety protocols, educating the patient and family on safety measures, and providing a safe environment for all. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Preventing hemorrhage is important but not the top priority during radiation therapy. Ensuring the patient understands the treatment's purpose is essential but not the immediate priority. Adherence to dietary restrictions is important for overall health but is not the primary focus when prioritizing actions for radiation therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Those who develop critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills enable nurses to assess situations, analyze information, and communicate effectively with patients. By using critical thinking, nurses can tailor their communication style to each patient's needs, leading to better understanding and rapport. A: Learning effective psychomotor skills is important but does not directly correlate with being a good communicator. C: Liking different kinds of people is beneficial for interpersonal relationships, but it does not necessarily make one a better communicator. D: Maintaining perceptual biases hinders effective communication as it can lead to misunderstandings and barriers in the communication process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Antihistamines are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it is recommended to avoid unnecessary medications, especially in the third trimester. Antihistamines should be used cautiously in pregnant women due to potential effects on the fetus. Choice A is incorrect because previous treatment for tuberculosis does not contraindicate the use of antihistamines. Choice C is incorrect as estrogen-replacement therapy does not interact significantly with antihistamines. Choice D is incorrect as a severe allergy to eggs does not directly contraindicate the use of antihistamines.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Testicular cancer is a highly curable type of cancer. This is the most appropriate point to emphasize because early detection through regular self-examinations can lead to early treatment and a high survival rate. Testicular cancer has a very high cure rate, especially when detected and treated early. Emphasizing this point encourages boys to perform monthly self-exams, leading to early detection and better outcomes. Explanation of other choices: B: Testicular cancer is very difficult to diagnose - This is incorrect because testicular cancer is actually one of the more easily detectable cancers through self-examinations. C: Testicular cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in males - This is incorrect as testicular cancer is not the leading cause of cancer deaths in males. D: Testicular cancer is more common in older men - This is incorrect as testicular cancer is more common in younger men, typically between the ages of 15 and 44.