Upon further assessment, you notices that she had any scratches on her right ankle, a resulting infection, and cellulitis. When you asked her about the scratches, the patient states, "Oh, my cat might have been using my leg as a scratiching post again and I did not even feel it." Which diabetic complicatons suspect the patient to have?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's lack of sensation in her right leg, allowing her cat to scratch her without her noticing, is indicative of neuropathy. Neuropathy is a common diabetic complication characterized by nerve damage that can result in loss of sensation or altered sensation in different parts of the body, including the extremities. In this case, neuropathy has likely affected the patient's right lower extremity, leading to her inability to feel the cat scratching her leg and resulting in the unnoticed scratches, infection, and subsequent cellulitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D demonstrates an effective communication technique used by the unit manager because it focuses on discussing strategic approaches to improve the delivery of nursing services while also considering cost effectiveness for the consumers. By emphasizing the need for strategic planning and efficient service delivery, the manager is promoting a proactive and solution-oriented approach rather than simply stating potential negative outcomes or making abrupt decisions like in the other options. This approach fosters more open communication, collaboration, and problem-solving within the team, ultimately leading to better outcomes and team morale.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Mastitis is typically caused by bacterial infection, with predisposing factors including milk stasis (I) and nipple trauma (II). Milk stasis occurs when milk is not effectively removed from the breast, leading to a build-up that can block ducts and predispose to infection. Nipple trauma, such as cracks or damage, can provide entry points for bacteria to infect the breast tissue. Factors like using alcohol in cleaning nipples (III) and the baby's sitting position (IV) are not directly associated with the development of mastitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fidelity is a principle of ethics that relates to being faithful or loyal to one's commitments and responsibilities. When Nurse Pat promises to assist the post-surgical patient with ambulation after carrying out the physician's order, she is demonstrating fidelity by honoring her commitment to the patient. This principle highlights the importance of keeping promises, being reliable, and maintaining trust in the nurse-patient relationship.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Neuman's adaptation model, also known as the Neuman Systems Model, is a nursing theory that focuses on how individuals respond to stressors in their environment. The model views individuals as being in a constant state of dynamic equilibrium, where they are interacting with stressors that can disrupt their normal functioning. Nursing care, according to this model, is aimed at helping individuals maintain or restore their optimal level of wellness by assisting them in adapting to these stressors. Therefore, Nurse Sandy's selection of a framework that emphasizes the constant relationship between humans and stressors in the environment aligns best with Neuman's adaptation model.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis as indicated by the low pH (7.28), elevated PaCO2 (65 mmHg), and elevated HCO3- (30 mEq/L). The primary acid-base disturbance is respiratory acidosis due to the retention of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 >45 mmHg) leading to an increase in HCO3- as a compensatory mechanism to maintain pH within normal limits. The elevated HCO3- levels (metabolic compensation) are trying to counterbalance the increased PaCO2 levels (respiratory acidosis) by increasing bicarbonate to attempt to normalize the pH. Overall, the ABG analysis shows respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation in this COPD patient with an acute exacerbation and severe dyspnea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Urinary incontinence is a common complication associated with prostatectomy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate surgery, such as a prostatectomy, can disrupt the sphincter muscle that controls the flow of urine from the bladder, leading to temporary or even long-term urinary incontinence in some patients. This usually improves over time with pelvic floor exercises and other treatment options, but it is an important consideration when discussing the potential risks and benefits of prostate surgery with patients. While erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation can also be potential side effects of prostate surgery, urinary incontinence is specifically associated with issues related to bladder control following the procedure. Urethral stricture, although it can occur post prostate surgery, is less common compared to urinary incontinence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for managing hepatic encephalopathy in this patient receiving palliative care for end-stage liver disease is to administer lactulose or other ammonia-lowering agents to reduce ammonia levels. Hepatic encephalopathy is believed to be primarily caused by the accumulation of ammonia in the bloodstream due to compromised liver function. Lactulose works by acidifying the gut lumen, which facilitates the excretion of ammonia in the form of ammonium ions. By reducing ammonia levels, hepatic encephalopathy symptoms, such as confusion and altered mental status, can be improved. Initiating other supportive measures like managing precipitating factors, maintaining hydration, and addressing nutritional issues should also be part of the holistic approach in managing hepatic encephalopathy in palliative care. However, addressing the underlying cause by reducing ammonia levels with lactulose is the priority intervention in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for managing hypertension, the nurse should monitor closely for signs of hyperkalemia. ACE inhibitors can affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to decreased aldosterone secretion and impaired potassium excretion by the kidneys. As a result, potassium levels in the blood may increase, leading to hyperkalemia.