The nurse is part of the health care team at an oncology center. A patient has been diagnosed with leukemia and the prognosis is poor, but the patient is not yet aware of the prognosis. How can the bad news best be conveyed to the patient?
- A. Family should be given the prognosis first.
- B. The prognosis should be delivered with the patient at eye level.
- C. The physician should deliver the news to the patient alone.
- D. The appointment should be scheduled at the end of the day.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When delivering bad news to a patient, it is important to create an environment that is supportive, compassionate, and conducive to effective communication. Having the patient at eye level when discussing difficult information helps to establish a sense of equality and respect between the healthcare provider and the patient. This can increase the patient's comfort level and help them feel more connected and engaged in the conversation. Additionally, eye level communication allows for better non-verbal cues to be exchanged, such as eye contact and facial expressions, which are important for conveying empathy and understanding during such sensitive discussions. It is crucial for the patient to be met at eye level, both physically and emotionally, when discussing a poor prognosis like the diagnosis of leukemia.
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A patient with no prenatal care delivers a healthy male infant via the vaginal route, with minimal blood loss. During the labor period, vital signs were normal. At birth, significant maternal hypertension is noted. When the patient is questioned, she relates that there is history of heart disease in her family; but, that she has never been treated for hypertension. Blood pressure is treated in the hospital setting and the patient is discharged. The patient returns at her scheduled 6-week checkup and is found to be hypertensive. Which type of hypertension is the patient is exhibiting?
- A. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
- B. Gestational hypertension
- C. Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension
- D. Undiagnosed chronic hypertension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient in this scenario exhibits signs of chronic hypertension, particularly due to the history of heart disease in her family, the postpartum persistence of elevated blood pressure, and the diagnosis of hypertension at the 6-week checkup. While pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia can occur during pregnancy, they typically resolve within a few weeks after delivery. The fact that the patient's hypertension persists beyond the postpartum period suggests that she likely had preexisting, undiagnosed chronic hypertension. Therefore, option D is the most appropriate choice in this case.
The nurse is caring for a 52-year-old woman whose aunt and mother died of breast cancer. The patient states, My doctor and I talked about Tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer. Do you think it will work? What would be the nurses best response?
- A. Yes, its known to have a slight protective effect.
- B. Yes, but studies also show an increased risk of osteoporosis.
- C. You wont need to worry about getting cancer as long as you take Tamoxifen.
- D. Tamoxifen is known to be a highly effective protective measure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's best response should be to provide accurate information and manage the patient's expectations realistically. Tamoxifen is known to have a slight protective effect in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk individuals like the patient in the scenario. However, it is not a guarantee against developing breast cancer. It is essential for the nurse to convey this information to the patient to ensure that she understands the benefits and limitations of Tamoxifen therapy. Additionally, discussing potential side effects and risks associated with Tamoxifen, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis, is important for the patient to make an informed decision about her health care.
When planning care for an adolescent who plays sports, which modification should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Increasing carbohydrates to 55% to 60% of total intake
- B. Providing vitamin and mineral supplements
- C. Decreasing protein intake to 0.75 g/kg/day
- D. Limiting water before and after exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When planning care for an adolescent who plays sports, it is important to provide adequate nutrition to meet their increased energy needs. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy, providing fuel for physical activity. Adolescents engaged in sports require a higher carbohydrate intake and should aim for 55% to 60% of their total daily kilocalories to support their activity levels. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy during exercise, building and repairing muscles, and promoting overall performance. Increasing carbohydrate intake in the diet is a key modification to support the energy demands of an active adolescent involved in sports.
A nurse is discussing the advantages of a nursingclinical information system. Which advantage should the nurse describe?
- A. Varied clinical databases
- B. Reduced errors of omission
- C. Increased hospital costs
- D. More time to read charts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One of the key advantages associated with a nursing clinical information system is the reduction of errors of omission. By using an electronic system that prompts for required data entry and ensures completeness of documentation, nurses are less likely to miss important information, leading to improved patient care and safety. This advantage helps in promoting efficient communication among healthcare providers and contributes to better decision-making processes.
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.