Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse recommends regular monitoring of the patient's blood cholesterol levels to prevent complications from their heart disease. High levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Monitoring cholesterol levels allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's risk and make appropriate recommendations for managing their heart disease. Regular monitoring can help track the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Signs such as using tissues to doorknobs suggest that the patient is unconsciously controlling unacceptable impulses or feelings. This behavior falls under the category of defense mechanisms, specifically displacement, where the individual redirects their emotions from a threatening target to a safer one. In this case, the patient may be experiencing anxiety or fear related to contamination or germs, leading them to use tissues to avoid touching doorknobs directly. It is a way for the patient to manage their underlying emotions, albeit unconsciously, through this compulsive behavior.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial to have a complete set of surgical instruments for any surgical procedure to ensure patient safety and the success of the surgery. If the nurse notices that the surgical instrument tray is incomplete, the best course of action is to inform the sterile processing department immediately. By doing so, the missing instruments can be promptly provided, ensuring that the surgical team has all the necessary tools for the procedure. Proceeding with the procedure using incomplete instruments can compromise patient safety and the quality of care provided. Documenting the missing instruments in the surgical count log is important for record-keeping purposes but should not delay the immediate action of requesting additional instruments. Borrowing instruments from another OR is not recommended as it can create confusion, potential cross-contamination, and disrupt the workflow of another surgical team.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Having a tracheostomy means that a patient has an artificial opening in their neck to help them breathe. Therefore, any issues related to breathing, such as blockages in the tracheostomy tube or difficulty in clearing secretions, can pose a major problem for a patient with a tracheostomy. It is crucial to monitor the patient's respiratory status closely and intervene promptly if any breathing difficulties arise to prevent potential respiratory distress or complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a missed abortion, the embryo has died, but the products of conception remain in the uterus, leading to the visualization of a gestational sac without an embryo on ultrasound. This is a type of missed miscarriage where the woman may not have any symptoms initially and the diagnosis is made during a routine ultrasound. The most common presenting symptom is painless vaginal bleeding. The absence of an embryo within the gestational sac can be confirmed through serial ultrasound examinations showing no fetal growth or cardiac activity. It is important for healthcare providers to provide appropriate counseling and management options to support the patient through this emotional experience.