A nurse is completing a focused assessment of an older adult's skin. The nurse notes a crusted 0.7 cm lesion on the client's forehead. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
- A. Report the finding to the healthcare provider
- B. Place a clear occlusive dressing over the site
- C. Apply a warm compress to remove the crusted area
- D. Explain that this is a normal skin change with aging
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A crusted lesion, especially in an older adult, could be indicative of skin cancer or another serious condition. Therefore, reporting this finding to the healthcare provider is crucial for further evaluation and appropriate management. Placing an occlusive dressing (Choice B) could prevent proper assessment and treatment. Applying a warm compress (Choice C) may not be suitable for a suspicious skin lesion as it could worsen the condition. Explaining it as a normal skin change (Choice D) without proper evaluation can delay necessary interventions and potentially harm the patient.
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A client is recovering from a below-the-knee amputation (BKA). The client reports phantom limb pain. What should the nurse include in the client's care plan to manage this type of pain?
- A. Apply heat to the residual limb.
- B. Administer prescribed analgesics.
- C. Elevate the residual limb.
- D. Perform range-of-motion exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phantom limb pain is a type of pain that feels like it's coming from a body part that's no longer there. It is essential to understand that phantom limb pain is real and should be managed appropriately. Administering prescribed analgesics is the most effective way to address this discomfort. Applying heat, elevating the residual limb, and performing range-of-motion exercises are not effective in managing phantom limb pain since the pain originates from the brain expecting sensory input from the missing limb, rather than being related to physical factors that heat, elevation, or exercises can address.
How does the home care nurse determine that a 78-year-old client is unable to remain in his current residence alone?
- A. The goals set by the client
- B. The learning level of the client
- C. Assessing the home environment
- D. The distractions in the client's home
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is assessing the home environment. This process is vital in evaluating whether an elderly client can safely live independently. Factors like safety hazards and the client's ability to handle daily activities are considered during this assessment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because determining the client's ability to remain in his residence alone relies more on evaluating the home environment for safety and suitability rather than the client's goals, learning level, or distractions in the home.
A nurse is caring for a 60-year-old man who is scheduled to have coronary bypass surgery in the morning. He tells the nurse that he is afraid that he will die and he is scared of the surgery. What is the best reply for this nurse to give him?
- A. There is no reason to be scared. My father had this surgery, and now he's playing tennis with his friends almost every day.
- B. I would be scared too. It's a natural thing to feel. Don't worry. Everything will be alright.
- C. You're scared?
- D. The doctor has performed hundreds of successful bypass surgeries. I have a lot of faith in him.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best reply for the nurse to give the patient is option C: 'You're scared?' This response reflects empathy and understanding, acknowledging the patient's feelings of fear. By directly addressing the patient's emotions, the nurse encourages further expression of concerns, which is crucial in providing emotional support. Choices A and D may come off as dismissive of the patient's feelings by downplaying his fear or shifting the focus to others' experiences. Choice B, although acknowledging the patient's fear, does not actively engage with the patient's emotions or encourage further discussion.
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who continues to repeat the last words heard. Which nursing problem should the nurse document in the medical record?
- A. Altered thought processes
- B. Impaired social interaction
- C. Risk for self-directed violence
- D. Disturbed thought processes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Disturbed thought processes. Echolalia, or the repetition of words, is indicative of disturbed thought processes, a common symptom in clients with schizophrenia. Choice A (Altered thought processes) is a more appropriate term than 'Disturbed thought processes' to describe the issue of echolalia. Choice B (Impaired social interaction) is not the best option in this scenario as echolalia is not primarily a social interaction issue. Choice C (Risk for self-directed violence) is not directly related to the symptom described in the question, which is echolalia, indicating a disturbance in thought processes.
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
- A. Graves' disease
- B. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- C. Thyroid nodules
- D. Pituitary adenoma
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland due to autoantibodies stimulating the thyroid. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is actually a cause of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules and pituitary adenoma are not common causes of hyperthyroidism.