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A patient is postoperative day 6 following tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy. The patient has phoned the surgical unit and states that she is experiencing occasional sharp, shooting pains in her affected ear. How should the nurse best interpret this patients complaint?
- A. These pains are an expected finding during the first few weeks of recovery.
- B. The patients complaints are suggestive of a postoperative infection.
- C. The patient may have experienced a spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane.
- D. The patients surgery may have been unsuccessful.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Postoperative day 6 following tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy is still within the early phase of recovery, where occasional sharp, shooting pains in the affected ear can be expected due to the healing process. Here's a step-by-step rationale:
1. Timing: It is only day 6 post-surgery, so it is normal to experience some pain as part of the healing process.
2. Nature of pain: Sharp, shooting pains are common post-surgery due to tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
3. Lack of other symptoms: The patient did not report any other concerning symptoms like fever or discharge, which would be more indicative of an infection.
4. Unlikely complications: Spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane or unsuccessful surgery would typically present with more severe and consistent symptoms.
Summary:
- B: Unlikely as there are no other signs of infection.
- C: Unlikely as the pain is described as occasional and sharp.
- D:
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A child is undergoing testing for food allergies after experiencing unexplained signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity. What food items would the nurse inform the parents are common allergens?
- A. Citrus fruits and rice
- B. Root vegetables and tomatoes
- C. Eggs and wheat
- D. Hard cheeses and vegetable oils
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Eggs and wheat. This is because eggs and wheat are common food allergens in children. Eggs contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions, while wheat contains gluten, a common allergen. Citrus fruits and rice (choice A) are not common allergens. Root vegetables and tomatoes (choice B) are also less likely to cause allergies. Hard cheeses and vegetable oils (choice D) are not commonly associated with food allergies in children. Therefore, informing the parents about eggs and wheat as common allergens is crucial for the child's testing and management of food allergies.
A medical nurse is providing palliative care to a patient with a diagnosis of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What is the primary goal of this nurses care?
- A. To improve the patients and familys quality of life
- B. To support aggressive and innovative treatments for cure
- C. To provide physical support for the patient
- D. To help the patient develop a separate plan with each discipline of the health care team
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To improve the patients and familys quality of life. In palliative care for end-stage COPD, the primary goal is to enhance quality of life by managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and ensuring comfort. Choice B is incorrect as palliative care focuses on comfort rather than aggressive treatments. Choice C is incorrect because palliative care encompasses not only physical but also emotional, social, and spiritual support. Choice D is incorrect as the goal is to provide holistic care rather than separate plans for each discipline. Ultimately, the primary focus of palliative care in this scenario is to improve the overall quality of life for the patient and their family.
A patient has been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction; the cause has been determined to be psychogenic. The patients interdisciplinary plan of care should prioritize which of the following interventions?
- A. Penile implant
- B. PDE-5 inhibitors
- C. Physical therapy
- D. Psychotherapy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Psychotherapy. In the case of psychogenic erectile dysfunction, the underlying cause is psychological rather than physical. Psychotherapy helps address the mental health factors contributing to the condition, such as anxiety or relationship issues. It can help the patient understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to the dysfunction. Penile implant (A) and PDE-5 inhibitors (B) are more appropriate for physical causes of erectile dysfunction. Physical therapy (C) focuses on musculoskeletal conditions and would not be effective for psychogenic causes.
The patient is to receive multiple medications via the nasogastric tube. The nurse is concerned that the tube may become clogged. Which action isbestfor the nurseto take?
- A. Instill nonliquid medications without diluting.
- B. Irrigate the tube with 60 mL of water after all medications are given.
- C. Mix all medications together to decrease the number of administrations.
- D. Check with the pharmacy for availability of the liquid forms of medications.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): Checking with the pharmacy for availability of liquid forms of medications is the best action because it reduces the risk of clogging the nasogastric tube. Liquid medications are less likely to cause blockages compared to nonliquid medications. Additionally, liquid forms are easier to administer through the tube. By using liquid medications, the nurse can ensure that the medications flow smoothly through the tube without causing any obstructions.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Instilling nonliquid medications without diluting can increase the risk of tube clogging.
B: Irrigating the tube with water after all medications are given may not prevent clogging effectively and could introduce unnecessary moisture into the tube.
C: Mixing all medications together can lead to potential drug interactions and may not address the issue of tube clogging effectively.
A 52-year-old woman has just been told she has breast cancer and is scheduled for a modified mastectomy the following week. The nurse caring for this patient knows that she is anxious and fearful about the upcoming procedure and the newly diagnosed malignancy. How can the nurse most likely alleviate this patients fears?
- A. Provide written material on the procedure that has been scheduled for the patient.
- B. Provide the patient with relevant information about expected recovery.
- C. Give the patient current information on breast cancer survival rates.
- D. Offer the patient alternative treatment options.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide the patient with relevant information about expected recovery. This option addresses the patient's anxiety by providing her with concrete information about what to expect after the procedure. By knowing the expected recovery process, the patient can feel more in control and prepared, which can help alleviate fears.
Summary:
A: Providing written material on the procedure does not directly address the patient's fears about the upcoming surgery and cancer diagnosis.
C: Giving the patient current information on breast cancer survival rates may increase anxiety rather than alleviate it, as it focuses on statistics rather than the individual patient's concerns.
D: Offering alternative treatment options may not be appropriate at this stage when the patient is already scheduled for a modified mastectomy. It may add confusion and further anxiety.