A patient with metastasized cancer says to the nurse, "I've been reading about some of the cancer research, and I am still hoping for a cure in the next few months."
In formulating a response to the patient, which should the nurse consider first? a. The patient's religion and/or faith-based beliefs
b. The need for a consultation with a professional grief counselor
c. The purpose that would be served in confronting the patient's denial
d. The patient's ability to understand the meaning of this particular research
C
Having "hope against hope" may not mean that the patient is in denial, but rather that he or she is using denial as an adaptive defense mechanism. The nurse should first consider what purpose confrontation would serve at this time.
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A client being treated with chemotherapy for cancer complains of fatigue, pallor, progressive weakness, exertional dyspnea, headache, and tachycardia. Which diagnosis should the nurse use as the priority when planning this client's care?
A) Powerlessness B) Imbalanced Nutrition, Less than Body Requirements C) Activity Intolerance D) Ineffective Coping
The nurse is determining if a female client is at risk for benign breast disease. Which of the following is a risk factor for this disorder?
1. Smoking 2. Caffeine use 3. Alcohol intake 4. Age 55
A nurse is discussing heart failure with a group of nursing students. Which statement by a student reflects an understanding of how compensatory mechanisms can compound existing problems in patients with heart failure?
a. "An increase in arteriolar tone to improve tissue perfusion can decrease resistance." b. "An increase in contractility to increase cardiac output can cause pulmonary edema." c. "When the heart rate increases to increase cardiac output, it can prevent adequate filling of the ventricles." d. "When venous tone increases to increase ventricular filling, an increase in arterial pressure occurs."
Which assessment questions should the nurse ask the parents of a young child diagnosed with asthma?
A. "Has your child eaten any new foods?" B. "Does anyone smoke in the home?" C. "Have any chemicals been used in your home?" D. "Has your child recently traveled to any warm climates?" E. "Have you changed the laundry soap recently?"