What should be included in Mr. Ross’s plan of care during radiation therapy if he complains of weakness and lethargy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In Mr. Ross's plan of care during radiation therapy, the correct option is A) Encouraging him to rest more than usual. Weakness and lethargy are common side effects of radiation therapy, and adequate rest is essential for the body to recover and cope with the treatment's effects. Encouraging rest helps to conserve energy, promote healing, and alleviate symptoms. Option B) Monitoring his intake and output is important for assessing hydration status, but it does not directly address the issue of weakness and lethargy. Option C) Helping him accept his condition is a psychosocial aspect and may be important in the overall care plan but does not directly address his current physical symptoms. Option D) Checking his blood pressure daily is not specifically related to addressing weakness and lethargy during radiation therapy. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing common side effects of radiation therapy, such as weakness and lethargy, to optimize patient care and outcomes. It emphasizes the role of supportive care measures, like adequate rest, in managing treatment-related symptoms and promoting patient well-being during cancer therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In understanding the chain of infection, the correct step that refers to how a pathogen is transferred from its reservoir to the susceptible host is "Means of transmission" (Option C). This step is crucial as it outlines the various ways pathogens can be spread, such as through direct contact, airborne transmission, droplet transmission, or through vectors like insects. Option A, Reservoir, refers to the habitat where the pathogen lives, multiplies, and grows, not the actual process of transfer. Option B, Portal of entry, pertains to the specific avenue through which the pathogen enters the host's body, not the transfer process itself. Option D, Susceptible host, is the individual who is at risk of infection but does not describe the mechanism of transfer. Understanding the means of transmission is critical in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Healthcare providers need to be aware of these routes to implement appropriate infection control measures effectively. By grasping this concept, healthcare professionals can intervene at various points in the chain of infection to disrupt its transmission and protect both themselves and their patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In older adults receiving IV therapy, closely monitoring for fluid overload is crucial due to age-related physiological changes. As individuals age, their renal function declines, leading to decreased efficiency in filtering fluids and electrolytes. This decline can result in an increased risk of fluid retention and subsequent overload when receiving IV fluids quickly. Fluid overload in older adults can lead to complications such as heart failure, pulmonary edema, and electrolyte imbalances. Option A, stating that older adults have less efficient defense mechanisms, is incorrect in this context because the primary concern with IV therapy in this population is related to fluid balance rather than immune response. Option C, suggesting increased renal efficiency in older adults, is also incorrect as aging typically leads to decreased renal function, making older adults more susceptible to fluid overload rather than efficient fluid processing. Option D, mentioning inadequate intake of dietary fiber, is unrelated to the issue of monitoring older adults during IV therapy and does not address the specific physiological changes that make older adults prone to fluid overload. Understanding the age-related changes in renal function and the implications for fluid balance is critical for nurses providing care to older adult patients. Monitoring for signs of fluid overload and adjusting IV therapy accordingly can help prevent complications and promote optimal patient outcomes in this population.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the importance of proper venous access during transfusions is crucial for safe and effective patient care. The correct answer, B) It minimizes the risk of pulmonary embolism, is the most relevant because if the venous access device becomes dislodged during a transfusion, there is a risk that air or clotting material could enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Option A) It minimizes the risk of phlebitis, while important, is not directly related to the immediate danger of a dislodged venous access device during a transfusion. Option C) It minimizes the risk of circulatory overload, and Option D) It minimizes the risk of localized edema, are also important considerations in patient care but are not as directly linked to the specific risk posed by a dislodged venous access device during a transfusion. Educationally, nurses must understand the potential complications associated with venous access devices to provide safe care to patients receiving transfusions. Monitoring the placement and integrity of these devices is essential to prevent adverse events such as pulmonary embolism, highlighting the critical role nurses play in ensuring patient safety during infusion therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and adult medical surgical care, understanding factors that may promote anxiety in clients undergoing a surgical procedure is crucial for providing optimal patient care. The correct answer, option C) Unclear expectations, is a significant contributor to anxiety in surgical patients. Uncertainty about what to expect before, during, and after surgery can lead to heightened anxiety levels due to fear of the unknown, potential complications, and outcomes. Option A) Decreased mobility may not necessarily promote anxiety in the same way as unclear expectations. While decreased mobility can be a concern post-surgery, it is more related to physical limitations rather than psychological distress. Option B) Unfamiliar environment can also be stressful for patients, but typically, healthcare providers try to familiarize patients with the surgical environment to reduce anxiety. Therefore, it may not be the primary factor promoting anxiety. Option D) Decreased alertness may impact a patient's ability to understand and follow pre-operative instructions, but it is not as directly related to promoting anxiety as the uncertainty caused by unclear expectations. Educationally, understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals anticipate and address patient anxieties effectively. Providing clear, detailed information, setting expectations, and offering support can significantly reduce anxiety levels in surgical patients, enhancing their overall experience and outcomes.