A patient has been referred to the breast clinic after her most recent mammogram revealed the presence of a lump. The lump is found to be a small, well-defined nodule in the right breast. The oncology nurse should recognize the likelihood of what treatment?
- A. Lumpectomy and radiation
- B. Partial mastectomy and radiation
- C. Partial mastectomy and chemotherapy
- D. Total mastectomy and chemotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lumpectomy and radiation. For a small, well-defined nodule in the breast, lumpectomy (removal of the lump) followed by radiation therapy is usually the treatment of choice for early-stage breast cancer. This approach aims to preserve the breast while ensuring effective treatment. Partial mastectomy (B) involves removing a larger portion of the breast tissue and is not typically necessary for a small, well-defined nodule. Chemotherapy (C) is generally used for more advanced stages of breast cancer or when the cancer has spread beyond the breast. Total mastectomy (D) is considered when the cancer is more extensive or in cases where lumpectomy is not feasible.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who has been admitted for the treatment of AIDS. In the morning, the patient tells the nurse that he experienced night sweats and recently coughed up some blood. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
- A. Assess the patient for additional signs and symptoms of Kaposis sarcoma.
- B. Review the patients most recent viral load and CD4+ count.
- C. Place the patient on respiratory isolation and inform the physician.
- D. Perform oral suctioning to reduce the patients risk for aspiration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Place the patient on respiratory isolation and inform the physician. This is the most appropriate action because the patient is exhibiting symptoms that could be indicative of a potentially infectious respiratory condition, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia. Placing the patient on respiratory isolation helps prevent the spread of infection to others and protects healthcare workers. Informing the physician promptly allows for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Choice A is incorrect as Kaposi's sarcoma typically presents with skin lesions rather than respiratory symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as reviewing viral load and CD4+ count would not address the immediate concern of respiratory symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as oral suctioning is not the appropriate intervention for night sweats and coughing up blood.
A patient with a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is overwhelmed by his diagnosis and the known complications of the disease. How can the patient best make known his wishes for care as his disease progresses?
- A. Prepare an advance directive.
- B. Designate a most responsible physician (MRP) early in the course of the disease.
- C. Collaborate with representatives from the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association.
- D. Ensure that witnesses are present when he provides instruction.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prepare an advance directive. This allows the patient to document their healthcare preferences in advance, ensuring their wishes are known and honored as the disease progresses. It provides clear instructions for healthcare providers and family members, reducing potential conflicts and ensuring the patient's autonomy is respected.
Choice B is incorrect as designating an MRP focuses on medical decision-making but may not capture the full range of the patient's care preferences. Choice C involves collaboration with an organization, which may not fully represent the patient's individual wishes. Choice D is incorrect as witnesses are not always necessary for providing instructions, and the presence of witnesses does not guarantee that the patient's wishes will be followed accurately.
When reviewing the electronic health record of a female patient, the nurse reads that the patient has a history of adenomyosis. The nurse should be aware that this patient experiences symptoms resulting from what pathophysiologic process?
- A. Loss of muscle tone in the vaginal wall
- B. Excessive synthesis and release of unopposed estrogen
- C. Invasion of the uterine wall by endometrial tissue
- D. Proliferation of tumors in the uterine wall
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Invasion of the uterine wall by endometrial tissue. Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and severe cramping. This process results in inflammation, thickening of the uterine wall, and can lead to enlargement of the uterus.
Choice A: Loss of muscle tone in the vaginal wall is incorrect because adenomyosis does not involve the vaginal wall.
Choice B: Excessive synthesis and release of unopposed estrogen is incorrect because although estrogen can contribute to the growth of endometrial tissue, it is not the primary pathophysiologic process in adenomyosis.
Choice D: Proliferation of tumors in the uterine wall is incorrect because adenomyosis does not involve the growth of tumors, but rather the infiltration of endometrial tissue into the uterine muscle.
The nurse is providing care for a patient who has a diagnosis of hereditary angioedema. When planning this patients care, what nursing diagnosis should be prioritized?
- A. Risk for Infection Related to Skin Sloughing
- B. Risk for Acute Pain Related to Loss of Skin Integrity
- C. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity Related to Cutaneous Lesions
- D. Risk for Impaired Gas Exchange Related to Airway Obstruction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Risk for Impaired Gas Exchange Related to Airway Obstruction. This should be prioritized because hereditary angioedema can lead to swelling in the airway, potentially causing respiratory distress and compromising gas exchange. This nursing diagnosis addresses the immediate threat to the patient's respiratory function.
A: Risk for Infection Related to Skin Sloughing - While skin sloughing can occur with hereditary angioedema, it is not the priority over ensuring adequate gas exchange.
B: Risk for Acute Pain Related to Loss of Skin Integrity - Pain management is important, but addressing airway obstruction takes precedence due to the potential for respiratory compromise.
C: Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity Related to Cutaneous Lesions - Skin integrity issues may be present but do not pose as immediate a threat as airway obstruction.
A patient with a hip fracture is having difficulty defecating into a bedpan while lying in bed. Which action by the nurse will assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement?
- A. Preparing to administer a barium enema
- B. Withholding narcotic pain medication
- C. Administering laxatives to the patient
- D. Raising the head of the bed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: Option D is correct because raising the head of the bed promotes a more natural position for defecation, allowing gravity to assist. This position helps align the rectum and anal canal, making it easier for the patient to have a bowel movement. Administering laxatives (Option C) may help, but adjusting the bed position is a non-invasive and more immediate intervention. Withholding pain medication (Option B) could lead to unnecessary discomfort for the patient. Administering a barium enema (Option A) is not indicated for addressing difficulty with defecation.