Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When encountering patients who are stressed due to their health condition, the best way for a nurse to communicate is through empathizing. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, which can help the nurse connect with the patient on an emotional level. Empathizing allows the nurse to show genuine care and concern for the patient's well-being, fostering a trusting and supportive relationship. This approach can help alleviate the patient's stress and make them feel understood and supported during a difficult time. Sympathizing and sharing may come across as insincere or minimize the patient's experiences, while listening is important but combining it with empathy enhances the overall communication experience.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient is most likely experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries at the level of T6 or above. It is characterized by a sudden onset of severe hypertension, bradycardia, diaphoresis, flushing, and headache in response to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury. The sudden change in position from supine to sitting likely triggered autonomic dysreflexia in this patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Checking the humidifier's water regularly is the priority precautionary measure that should be done by the nurse during oxygen therapy. Maintaining adequate water in the humidifier ensures proper humidification of the oxygen delivered to the patient, helping prevent mucous membrane dryness and irritation. Dry mucous membranes can lead to discomfort, increased risk of infection, and potential damage to the respiratory system. Therefore, ensuring the humidifier's water level is appropriate is crucial for the safety and well-being of the patient receiving oxygen therapy. Limiting visitors, attaching "No Smoking" signage, and connecting the bait to the oxygen tank are important precautions as well, but checking the humidifier's water is the priority measure in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hodgkin's disease commonly affects young adults between the ages of 15 to 35 and older adults over the age of 50. It is not a disease that occurs most often in older adults. In fact, Hodgkin's disease has a bimodal distribution, meaning it peaks in young adults and again in older adults. It is important to consider the age distribution when suspecting Hodgkin's disease and not exclusively associate it with older adults.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Methotrexate is a medication commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is known to have potential hepatotoxic effects, meaning it can harm the liver. Monitoring liver function tests (such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels) is essential to detect any liver damage early on during methotrexate therapy. By closely monitoring liver function tests, healthcare providers can assess the medication's impact on the liver and determine if any dose adjustments or discontinuation of the drug is necessary to prevent further liver damage. Regular monitoring of liver function tests helps ensure the safe and effective use of methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.