Which of the following is the most important goal for a nurse when implementing care for a patient with a chronic illness?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most important goal for a nurse when implementing care for a patient with a chronic illness is to prevent future complications (Choice C). This is because chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that require ongoing management to minimize the risk of complications and improve the patient's quality of life. By preventing future complications, the nurse helps maintain the patient's health and prevents the progression of the disease. Providing emotional support (Choice D) is important but not the most crucial goal in this context. While reducing symptoms (Choice B) is important, preventing future complications takes precedence as it addresses the underlying cause of the illness. Curing the disease (Choice A) may not always be feasible for chronic illnesses, making prevention of complications a more realistic and essential goal.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Patient stating they can stop taking medication once BP is normal shows misunderstanding of hypertension as a chronic condition. Step 2: Hypertension requires long-term management even if BP is controlled temporarily. Step 3: Stopping medication abruptly can lead to BP spikes and complications. Step 4: Other choices (A, C, D) demonstrate good understanding and proactive approach to managing hypertension. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as it suggests discontinuation of medication, posing a risk to the patient's health. Choices A, C, and D show positive behaviors towards hypertension management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (Broccoli, oranges, dark greens) because these foods are high in soluble fiber, antioxidants, and plant sterols which are known to help lower cholesterol levels. Broccoli contains fiber that binds to cholesterol in the gut, oranges are rich in vitamin C and fiber, and dark greens like spinach and kale are packed with antioxidants and fiber. Option B (Fiber-rich foods) is partially correct as fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels, but it is not as specific as the foods mentioned in option A. Option C (Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids) is not directly related to lowering cholesterol, although omega-3s have other health benefits. Option D (Eliminate fat-rich foods) is not ideal as not all fats are bad for cholesterol, and some healthy fats like those found in avocados and nuts can actually improve cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with a history of stroke are at increased risk for DVT due to immobility and vascular damage. Monitoring for DVT is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism. Acute renal failure (A) is not directly related to stroke and is not a common complication. Pneumonia (C) may occur but is not the highest priority compared to DVT. Hypertension (D) is important to monitor but is not the priority in this case as DVT poses a more immediate risk to the patient's health.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping insulin when blood sugar is normal can lead to hyperglycemia. Choice A shows understanding of managing diabetes. Choice B indicates monitoring blood sugar, crucial for diabetes management. Choice D demonstrates adherence to medication schedule, essential for controlling blood sugar levels. Stopping insulin prematurely can disrupt the balance and result in complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer aspirin. Aspirin helps prevent further clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of additional heart damage. It is a standard treatment in acute myocardial infarction. Administering morphine (B) may be considered for pain relief but is not the primary intervention. Monitoring vital signs (C) is important, but not the primary intervention. Administering fibrinolytics (D) is indicated in certain cases but is not the primary intervention and requires specific criteria and caution.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Sodium restriction helps prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure in CKD. 2. Limiting sodium intake is crucial in managing CKD-related complications. 3. Excess sodium can worsen fluid retention and strain the kidneys. 4. Proper understanding of sodium limitation shows patient's grasp of CKD management. Incorrect Choices: B. Increasing fluid intake can worsen fluid retention in CKD patients. C. Excessive protein intake can burden the kidneys in CKD. D. High potassium levels in CKD can lead to dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary edema. In chronic heart failure, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs causing pulmonary edema. Monitoring for signs such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and crackles can help prevent respiratory distress. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic heart failure. B: Hyperkalemia - Can occur in heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for. D: Anemia - Can be a consequence of chronic heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breath sounds and oxygen saturation. In COPD, monitoring respiratory status is crucial due to impaired gas exchange. Assessing breath sounds helps identify any adventitious sounds like wheezing or crackles, indicating respiratory distress. Oxygen saturation reflects oxygenation status, vital for patients with COPD prone to hypoxemia. Nutritional intake and weight (B), bowel sounds and abdominal girth (C), and urine output and skin integrity (D) are important but secondary assessments in this case. Nutritional status and weight are important for overall health, bowel sounds and abdominal girth are related to gastrointestinal function, and urine output and skin integrity are indicators of hydration and overall skin health, respectively. However, in a patient with COPD, the priority is ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory function.