While receiving radiation therapy for the treatment of breast cancer, a client complains of dysphagia and skin texture changes, at the radiation site. Which of the following instructions would be most appropriate to suggest to minimize the risk of complications, and promote healing?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat a diet high in protein and calories to optimize tissue repair. Rationale: 1. Protein is essential for tissue repair and healing, which can help counteract the effects of radiation therapy on the skin and swallowing function. 2. Calories are necessary for energy to support the body's healing processes during radiation therapy. 3. A diet high in protein and calories can help maintain overall nutritional status and promote recovery. Incorrect Choices: A: Washing the radiation site vigorously can further irritate the skin, leading to more complications. C: Cool compresses may not be suitable for radiation-induced skin reactions and may not address the underlying issue of dysphagia. D: Drinking warm fluids may not directly address the need for optimal tissue repair and healing.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pink, frothy sputum. This is because pink, frothy sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary edema, indicating fluid in the lungs. Furosemide IV is a diuretic that helps remove excess fluid from the body, including the lungs. Resolving pink, frothy sputum indicates that the treatment is effectively reducing the fluid in the lungs. Incorrect choices: A: Pedal edema - This refers to swelling in the feet and ankles, which is not directly related to pulmonary edema. C: Jugular vein distention - This is a sign of heart failure, not specifically pulmonary edema. D: Bradycardia - This is a slow heart rate and not a direct indicator of pulmonary edema resolution.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “I’ll take my medication in the morning, every morning.” This statement reflects understanding of the treatment regimen by indicating consistency in taking bumetanide for hypertension control. Taking the medication as prescribed is crucial for its effectiveness in managing blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because sunbathing all day may not be advisable, especially if the patient is on medication. Choice B is incorrect as it implies no consideration for dietary restrictions that may be necessary with the medication. Choice D is incorrect as stopping medication once blood pressure decreases is not recommended and can lead to rebound hypertension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing the patient's pain level is the priority when caring for a patient with a brain tumor about to begin radiation treatments. Pain management is crucial in providing comfort and ensuring the patient's well-being during treatment. Teaching the patient about what to expect and addressing any pain promptly are essential steps in delivering effective care. Padding the side rails (choice A) is important for patient safety, but it is not the priority in this situation. Isolating the patient (choice D) is unnecessary unless there is a specific medical indication. Teaching the patient what to expect (choice B) is important but assessing and managing pain take precedence to ensure the patient's comfort and safety during treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant used to prevent seizures. Step 2: Anticonvulsants are often given before surgery to reduce the risk of seizures during and after the procedure. Step 3: In the context of intracranial surgery, controlling seizures is crucial to prevent complications like increased intracranial pressure. Step 4: Therefore, administering phenytoin before surgery helps in reducing the risk of seizures before and after the procedure. Summary: - Option B (avoid intraoperative complications) is too broad and doesn't directly relate to the use of phenytoin. - Option C (reduce cerebral edema) is not the primary indication for phenytoin in this scenario. - Option D (prevent postoperative vomiting) is not a common reason for administering phenytoin before intracranial surgery.