During a breast examination, which finding most strongly suggests that the client has breast cancer?
- A. Slight asymmetry of the breasts
- B. A fixed nodular mass with dimpling of the overlying skin
- C. Bloody discharge from the nipple
- D. Multiple firm, round, freely movable masses that change with the menstrual cycle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fixed nodular mass with dimpling of the overlying skin is the finding that most strongly suggests breast cancer. This presentation is concerning for an invasive carcinoma that has invaded into the surrounding tissues, leading to the dimpling of the skin. Breast cancer typically presents as a painless, hard, irregularly shaped, non-mobile mass. Dimpling of the skin overlying the mass is a sign of advanced disease and is often associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, this finding should raise suspicion for breast cancer and prompt further evaluation and workup.
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A 36-year-old man is scheduled for a unilateral orchiectomy for treatment of testicular cancer. He is withdrawn and does not interact with the nurse. Which action is most appropriate?
- A. Identify the problem with a nursing diagnosis of impaired communication related to the diagnosis of cancer
- B. Set a patient outcome that the patient will verbalize his concerns about his diagnosis
- C. Ask the patient whether he is worried about future sexual functioning
- D. Say, "You seem quiet. Are you feeling concerned about your diagnosis or treatment?"
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D is the most appropriate action in this scenario because it demonstrates empathy and opens the door for the patient to express his concerns. By acknowledging the patient's withdrawn behavior and directly inquiring about his feelings regarding the diagnosis or treatment, the nurse creates an opportunity for the patient to share his thoughts and concerns. This open-ended question allows the patient to express himself without any assumptions or judgments. It shows that the nurse is attentive, supportive, and willing to listen to the patient's emotional needs during this challenging time.
Mr. Chua has developed liver cirrhosis. Nurse Bea expects alteration in which laboratory values?
- A. carbon dioxide level
- B. prothrombin time
- C. gastric pH
- D. white blood cell count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Liver cirrhosis affects the liver's ability to produce proteins that are important for blood clotting, including prothrombin. Therefore, in a patient with liver cirrhosis, Nurse Bea would expect an alteration in the prothrombin time, which measures the time it takes for the blood to clot. A prolonged prothrombin time indicates impaired blood clotting function, which is commonly seen in patients with liver disease such as cirrhosis. It is an important laboratory value to monitor in patients with liver cirrhosis to assess their risk of bleeding complications.
A medical student observes that infants cry in response to another infant's cry. The MOST appropriate answer is that it represents
- A. an early sign of empathy development
- B. a sign of good hearing
- C. a startle reflex
- D. an early sign of fear development
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Infants crying in response to others may indicate early empathy development.
A 10-mo-old boy has a left suprarenal mass. Surgery is accomplished with complete removal of the mass as well as the non-adherent lymph nodes; surgical biopsies are taken during surgery. The histology reveals poorly differentiated neuroblastoma with microscopic ipsilateral lymph nodes involvement. The contralateral lymph nodes are negative. Of the following, the BEST therapeutic approach for this infant is
- A. chemotherapy
- B. radiotherapy
- C. concomitant chemo-radiotherapy
- D. chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Complete resection with microscopic residual disease typically warrants adjuvant chemotherapy.
The nurse is assigned to care for a postoperative client who has diabetes mellitus. During the assessment interview, the client reports that he's impotent and says he's concerned about its effect on his marriage. In planning this client's care, the most appropriate intervention would be to:
- A. Encourage the client to ask questions about personality sexuality
- B. Provide time for privacy
- C. Provide support for the spouse or significant other
- D. Suggest referral to a sex counselor or other appropriate professional
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Suggesting a referral to a sex counselor or other appropriate professional would be the most appropriate intervention in this case. Impotence or erectile dysfunction can have significant emotional and psychological implications, especially in the context of a marital relationship. A sex counselor or therapist who specializes in sexual health can provide the necessary support, guidance, and strategies to help the client and his spouse navigate this issue effectively. This intervention is aimed at addressing the client's concerns about impotence, its impact on his marriage, and ultimately promoting holistic well-being.