Nokea
A 58-year-old male patient has been hospitalized for a wedge resection of the left lower lung lobe after a routine chest x-ray shows carcinoma. The patient is anxious and asks if he can smoke. Which statement by the nurse would be most therapeutic?
- A. Smoking is the reason you are here.
- B. The doctor left orders for you not to smoke.
- C. You are anxious about the surgery. Do you see smoking as helping?
- D. Smoking is OK right now, but after your surgery it is contraindicated.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the most therapeutic response as it acknowledges the patient's anxiety and encourages reflection on his behavior. This approach can help the patient explore his feelings and thoughts about smoking in relation to his surgery, promoting self-awareness and potentially opening the door for a constructive discussion. Choices A and B are more directive and may not address the underlying anxiety and need for reflection. Choice D is also somewhat permissive about smoking before surgery, which may not be in the patient's best interest.
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You are caring for a patient who has just been told that her stage IV colon cancer has recurred and metastasized to the liver. The oncologist offers the patient the option of surgery to treat the progression of this disease. What type of surgery does the oncologist offer?
- A. Palliative
- B. Reconstructive
- C. Salvage
- D. Prophylactic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palliative. Palliative surgery is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life when a cure is not possible. In this scenario, where the cancer has recurred and metastasized, the goal of surgery would be to alleviate symptoms rather than to cure the disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because reconstructive surgery aims to restore function or appearance, salvage surgery aims to remove or salvage tissue to prevent further complications, and prophylactic surgery aims to prevent the development of a condition rather than treat its progression.
A clinic nurse is working with a patient who has a long-standing diagnosis of polycythemia vera. How can the nurse best gauge the course of the patient's disease?
- A. Document the color of the patient's palms and face during each visit.
- B. Follow the patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate over time.
- C. Document the patient's response to erythropoietin injections.
- D. Follow the trends of the patient's hematocrit.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The course of polycythemia vera can be best ascertained by monitoring the patient's hematocrit, which should remain below 45%. Hematocrit levels are a key indicator in assessing the progression of the disease. Choices A, B, and C are not the most appropriate methods for gauging the course of polycythemia vera. Monitoring the color of the patient's palms and face, or their response to erythropoietin injections, may not provide an accurate reflection of the disease's progression. Similarly, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be affected in polycythemia vera, it is not the primary marker for monitoring the disease's course.
A client with a history of prostate cancer is in the clinic and reports new onset of severe low back pain. What action by the nurse is most important?
- A. Assess the client's gait and balance.
- B. Ask the client about any changes in urinary symptoms.
- C. Document the report thoroughly.
- D. Inquire about the client's recent activities.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action by the nurse is to assess the client's gait and balance. Severe low back pain in a client with a history of prostate cancer may indicate spinal cord compression, a serious complication. Assessing gait and balance can help determine if there is any spinal cord involvement, which requires immediate medical attention. Asking about changes in urinary symptoms (choice B) is important to assess for possible urinary obstruction, but assessing gait and balance takes precedence due to the risk of spinal cord compression. Documenting the report thoroughly (choice C) is essential but not the most immediate action needed. Inquiring about recent activities (choice D) is not as critical as assessing for spinal cord involvement.
An adult patient has presented to the health clinic with a complaint of a firm, painless cervical lymph node. The patient denies any recent infectious diseases. What is the nurse's most appropriate response to the patient's complaint?
- A. Call 911.
- B. Promptly refer the patient for medical assessment.
- C. Facilitate a radiograph of the patient's neck and have the results forwarded to the patient's primary care provider.
- D. Encourage the patient to track the size of the lymph node and seek care in 1 week.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate response for a patient presenting with a firm, painless cervical lymph node and denying recent infectious diseases is to promptly refer the patient for medical assessment. This is crucial to rule out serious underlying conditions such as malignancy or other concerning causes. Calling 911 is not necessary in this situation as it is not an emergency. Ordering a radiograph may not be the most immediate or appropriate action, as further evaluation by a healthcare provider is needed first. Encouraging the patient to wait and track the lymph node for a week is not advisable when a potential serious condition needs to be ruled out promptly.
Gastric cancer is known to have numerous risk factors. Which of the following is not a risk factor?
- A. Diet high in sodium
- B. Diet with high amounts of chili garlic
- C. Smoking
- D. Diet high in fiber
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A diet high in fiber is not a risk factor for gastric cancer; in fact, it is generally considered protective against cancers. High sodium intake (Choice A) has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. Diets with high amounts of chili garlic (Choice B) may irritate the stomach lining, potentially contributing to the development of gastric cancer. Smoking (Choice C) is a well-established risk factor for various types of cancers, including gastric cancer.