A patient who was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease several months ago recently began treatment with levodopa-carbidopa. The patient and his family are excited that he has experienced significant symptom relief. The nurse should be aware of what implication of the patients medication regimen?
- A. The patient is in a honeymoon period when adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa are not yet evident.
- B. Benefits of levodopa-carbidopa do not peak until 6 to 9 months after the initiation of treatment.
- C. The patients temporary improvement in status is likely unrelated to levodopa-carbidopa.
- D. Benefits of levodopa-carbidopa often diminish after 1 or 2 years of treatment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The patient is in a honeymoon period when adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa are not yet evident. This is because the initial response to levodopa-carbidopa in Parkinson's disease can be very positive, leading to significant symptom relief. However, over time, as the disease progresses and the body adjusts to the medication, adverse effects such as dyskinesias may become more prominent.
Choice B is incorrect because the benefits of levodopa-carbidopa can be seen relatively soon after initiation of treatment and do not necessarily take 6 to 9 months to peak. Choice C is incorrect as the temporary improvement is likely related to the medication, given the significant symptom relief experienced. Choice D is incorrect because while benefits may diminish over time, it is not necessarily after 1 or 2 years of treatment, and some patients may continue to benefit from the medication long-term.
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A 29-year-old patient has just been told that he has testicular cancer and needs to have surgery. During a presurgical appointment, the patient admits to feeling devastated that he requires surgery, stating that it will leave him emasculated and a shell of a man. The nurse should identify what nursing diagnosis when planning the patients subsequent care?
- A. Disturbed Body Image Related to Effects of Surgery
- B. Spiritual Distress Related to Effects of Cancer Surgery
- C. Social Isolation Related to Effects of Surgery
- D. Risk for Loneliness Related to Change in Self-Concept
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disturbed Body Image Related to Effects of Surgery. This nursing diagnosis is appropriate because the patient expresses concerns about feeling emasculated and a shell of a man after the surgery, indicating a disturbance in his body image. The patient's perception of how the surgery will affect his masculinity is a clear indication of body image disturbance.
Choice B is incorrect because there is no mention of spiritual distress in the patient's statements. Choice C is incorrect as there is no indication that the patient will experience social isolation specifically related to the surgery. Choice D is incorrect as the patient's concerns are primarily related to his body image and not loneliness.
Which finding in the assessment of a patient following an abruption placenta could indicate a major complication?
- A. Urine output of 30 mL in 1 hour
- B. Blood pressure of 110/60 mm Hg
- C. Bleeding at IV insertion site
- D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - bleeding at IV insertion site. This finding could indicate a major complication following an abruption placenta, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or hypovolemic shock. Bleeding at the IV site suggests a systemic issue affecting the patient's coagulation status. Choices A, B, and D are not directly indicative of a major complication following an abruption placenta. Urine output, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor but do not specifically point to a major complication in this context.
A nurse has made a referral to a grief support group, knowing that many individuals find these both comforting and beneficial after the death of a loved one. What is the most important accomplishment available by attending a grief support group?
- A. Providing a framework for incorporating the old life into the new life
- B. Normalizing adaptation to a continuation of the old life
- C. Aiding in adjusting to using old, familiar social skills
- D. Normalization of feelings and experiences
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Normalization of feelings and experiences. Attending a grief support group helps individuals feel validated and understood by others who are going through similar emotions. This normalization can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging, which is crucial in the grieving process. It also allows individuals to recognize that their feelings and experiences are common reactions to loss.
Choice A is incorrect because a grief support group focuses more on accepting and processing the new reality rather than incorporating the old life into it. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests maintaining the old life rather than adjusting to a new normal. Choice C is incorrect because the focus of a grief support group is not solely on social skills but on emotional support and coping mechanisms.
The nurse is planning the care of a patient who has been recently diagnosed with a cerebellar tumor. Due to the location of this patients tumor, the nurse should implement measures to prevent what complication?
- A. Falls
- B. Audio hallucinations
- C. Respiratory depression
- D. Labile BP
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Falls. A cerebellar tumor can affect coordination and balance, leading to an increased risk of falls. Measures to prevent falls include maintaining a clutter-free environment, using assistive devices, and providing supervision.
Choice B (Audio hallucinations) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors typically do not cause auditory hallucinations. Choice C (Respiratory depression) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors do not directly affect the respiratory system. Choice D (Labile BP) is incorrect as cerebellar tumors are not typically associated with blood pressure fluctuations.
A patient has been diagnosed with AIDS complicated by chronic diarrhea. What nursing intervention would be appropriate for this patient?
- A. Position the patient in the high Fowlers position whenever possible.
- B. Temporarily eliminate animal protein from the patients diet.
- C. Make sure the patient eats at least two servings of raw fruit each day.
- D. Obtain a stool culture to identify possible pathogens.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain a stool culture to identify possible pathogens. This is the most appropriate nursing intervention because chronic diarrhea in a patient with AIDS can be caused by various pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, or viruses. By obtaining a stool culture, the healthcare team can identify the specific pathogen responsible for the diarrhea and initiate targeted treatment.
A: Positioning the patient in the high Fowler's position is not directly related to addressing the underlying cause of chronic diarrhea in this patient.
B: Temporarily eliminating animal protein from the patient's diet may not be necessary or effective in treating chronic diarrhea without knowing the specific cause identified through stool culture.
C: Making sure the patient eats raw fruit is not recommended as raw fruits can sometimes worsen diarrhea due to their high fiber content and potential for carrying pathogens.
In summary, obtaining a stool culture is the most appropriate intervention as it helps identify the specific pathogen causing the diarrhea, while the other options do not directly address the underlying cause.
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