The nurse educator is discussing neoplasms with a group of recent graduates. The educator explains that he effects of neoplasms are caused by the compression and infiltration of normal tissue. The physiologic changes that result can cause what pathophysiologic events? Select all that apply.
- A. Intracranial hemorrhage
- B. Infection of cerebrospinal fluid
- C. Increased ICP
- D. Focal neurologic signs E) Altered pituitary function
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neoplasms can cause pathophysiologic events such as intracranial hemorrhage and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to expansion of the mass within the confined space of the skull. Intracranial hemorrhage can occur as the neoplasm damages blood vessels in the brain or causes them to become more fragile. Increased ICP can result from the growing mass causing compression of surrounding structures and obstructing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental status.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who has been recently diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer. The patient refuses to accept the diagnosis and refuses to adhere to treatment. What is the most likely psychosocial purpose of this patients strategy?
- A. The patient may be trying to protect loved ones from the emotional effects of the illness.
- B. The patient is being noncompliant in order to assert power over caregivers.
- C. The patient may be skeptical of the benefits of the Western biomedical model of health.
- D. The patient thinks that treatment does not provide him comfort.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient may be trying to protect loved ones from the emotional effects of the illness. This behavior could be a form of denial, a defense mechanism where the individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of the diagnosis in order to shield their loved ones from distress. By rejecting the diagnosis and refusing treatment, the patient may believe that they are preventing their family and friends from experiencing the emotional pain associated with the illness. This behavior is a common coping mechanism in response to overwhelming and distressing news like a terminal illness diagnosis. It serves a psychosocial purpose of trying to protect others from suffering, even though it may not align with the patient's best interest in terms of receiving appropriate medical care.
A patient has informed the home health nurse that she has recently noticed distortions when she looks at the Amsler grid that she has mounted on her refrigerator. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
- A. Reassure the patient that this is an age-related change in vision.
- B. Arrange for the patient to have her visual acuity assessed.
- C. Arrange for the patient to be assessed for macular degeneration.
- D. Facilitate tonometry testing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the home health nurse to take in this situation where a patient reports distortions when looking at an Amsler grid is to arrange for the patient to be assessed for macular degeneration. Distortions in straight lines on an Amsler grid are a common early symptom of macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition that affects central vision. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, making assessment and early intervention crucial in preserving vision. It is important for the nurse to take the patient's symptoms seriously and facilitate timely evaluation and management to prevent further vision loss. This would involve referring the patient to an ophthalmologist or an eye care specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment.
The nurse in the ED is caring for a 4 year-old brought in by his parents who state that the child will not stop crying and pulling at his ear. Based on information collected by the nurse, which of the following statements applies to a diagnosis of external otitis?
- A. External otitis is characterized by aural tenderness.
- B. External otitis is usually accompanied by a high fever.
- C. External otitis is usually related to an upper respiratory infection.
- D. External otitis can be prevented by using cotton-tipped applicators to clean the ear.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: External otitis, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is often characterized by aural tenderness, which means that the ear is sensitive to touch and can be painful, especially when pressure is applied to the area. This tenderness is a hallmark symptom of external otitis and helps differentiate it from other ear conditions. Other common symptoms of external otitis include ear pain, itchiness, redness, and swelling of the ear canal. External otitis is usually not accompanied by a high fever, and it is not typically related to an upper respiratory infection. Using cotton-tipped applicators to clean the ear can actually increase the risk of developing external otitis by disrupting the natural protective barrier of the ear canal.
A nurse uses SBAR when providing a hands-off report to the oncoming shift. What is the rationale for the nurse’s action?
- A. To promote autonomy
- B. To use common courtesy
- C. To establish trustworthiness
- D. To standardize communication
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. It is a structured method of communication that healthcare providers use to effectively communicate important information about a patient. The use of SBAR helps ensure that all necessary details are communicated in a clear, concise, and systematic manner, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors. By standardizing communication using SBAR, nurses can provide a comprehensive report during a shift change, promoting continuity of care and patient safety. Thus, the main rationale for a nurse using SBAR when providing a hands-off report is to standardize communication and improve the quality of patient care.
A patient with chronic open-angle glaucoma is being taught to self-administer pilocarpine. After the patient administers the pilocarpine, the patient states that her vision is blurred. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
- A. Holding the next dose and notifying the physician
- B. Treating the patient for an allergic reaction
- C. Suggesting that the patient put on her glasses
- D. Explaining that this is an expected adverse effect
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Blurred vision is a common adverse effect of pilocarpine, a miotic agent commonly used for open-angle glaucoma. It occurs due to the constriction of the pupil, which can affect the patient's ability to focus clearly. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to explain to the patient that blurred vision is an expected adverse effect of the medication. This reassurance can help alleviate the patient's concerns and improve their understanding of the medication therapy. Holding the next dose and notifying the physician is not necessary in this situation as blurred vision is a known side effect and treating the patient for an allergic reaction or suggesting that the patient put on her glasses would not address the underlying cause of the blurred vision.
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