You are caring for a patient who has just been told that his illness is progressing and nothing more can be done for him. After the physician leaves, the patient asks you to stay with him for a while. The patient becomes tearful and tries several times to say something, but cannot get the words out. What would be an appropriate response for you to make at this time?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: This response shows empathy and allows the patient to express their thoughts and feelings without feeling rushed or pressured. By asking the patient if there is anything they want to say, you are showing that you are there to listen and support them during this difficult time. It is important to give the patient the space and opportunity to communicate their emotions and concerns. Offering advice or making assumptions about the patient's feelings may not be as helpful as simply providing a listening ear.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it is crucial to maintain strict aseptic technique to prevent infection. Wearing a sterile mask when changing the central venous catheter dressing helps to reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into the catheter site, which can lead to serious bloodstream infections. It is essential to use sterile gloves, a sterile mask, and to assess the insertion site for any signs or symptoms of infection during central venous catheter dressing changes. Additionally, to prevent infection, TPN infusion tubing should be changed every 24 hours, and no single container of TPN should be hung for longer than 24 hours, with lipids not running for longer than 12 hours.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The factor that most contributes to patients in hospice care not receiving adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness is the unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge that the patient is terminal. When patients and families are in denial or struggle to accept the terminal nature of the illness, they may avoid focusing on symptom management and comfort care that is essential in hospice care. This can prevent healthcare providers from effectively addressing and managing the patient's symptoms, leading to unnecessary suffering for the patient. Accepting the terminal nature of the illness allows for a shift in focus towards providing quality end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom management and comfort for the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Mashed potatoes and gravy are not appropriate for a full liquid diet. A full liquid diet consists of foods that are liquid at room temperature or melt into liquid form at body temperature. Mashed potatoes and gravy are not in liquid form and therefore should not be consumed by a patient following a full liquid diet. The nurse should intervene and provide education about the correct food choices allowed on a full liquid diet, such as custard, frozen yogurt, and pureed vegetables.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A nurse assessing a patient with an acoustic neuroma would likely find symptoms such as loss of hearing, tinnitus, and vertigo. Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which carries sound and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include progressive hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness or imbalance (vertigo). Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for the symptoms that the nurse is likely to find in a patient with an acoustic neuroma.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Vaginal examination of the cervix may result in perforation of the placenta and subsequent hemorrhage in a patient admitted with suspected placenta previa. It is important to avoid any unnecessary manipulation of the cervix to prevent complications. Assessing cervical dilation and effacement should be avoided until placenta previa is ruled out to prevent harm to the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a medical emergency that can occur in patients with advanced cancer, such as breast cancer with metastasis. SVCS is caused by the obstruction or compression of the superior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the upper body back to the heart. When the superior vena cava is obstructed or compressed, it can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing (dyspnea) and distended jugular veins.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to apply warm compresses to the patient's lower abdomen. Abdominal bloating and an increase in abdominal girth can be common following a vaginal hysterectomy. Applying warm compresses to the lower abdomen can help to relieve bloating and discomfort by promoting relaxation of the abdominal muscles and increasing blood flow to the area. This can provide relief to the patient and support their recovery process. Applying warm compresses is a non-invasive intervention that can be easily implemented and is commonly used in post-operative care to address abdominal discomfort.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Cowper glands, also known as bulbourethral glands, are a pair of small exocrine glands located below the prostate gland, within the posterior aspect of the male urethra. These glands are responsible for producing a clear, viscous fluid that helps lubricate the urethra, neutralize acidic urine remnants, and provide a conducive environment for sperm to survive in the urethra. Inflammation of the Cowper glands can result in conditions such as urethritis or other discomfort related to the male reproductive system.