A 62-year-old man states that his physician told him that he has an inguinal hernia. He asks the nurse to explain what a hernia is. How should the nurse respond?
Tell him not to worry and that most men his age develop hernias
Explain that a hernia is a loop of bowel protruding through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles
Explain that a hernia is often the result of prenatal growth abnormalities
Refer him to his physician for additional consultation because the physician made the initial diagnosis
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Telling the patient not to worry dismisses their concern and provides no educational value. Inguinal hernias, while common in older men, require explanation and monitoring, as they can lead to complications like incarceration, making this an inappropriate response.
Choice B reason: An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of bowel or tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, typically in the inguinal canal. This accurate explanation addresses the patient’s question, describing the condition’s pathophysiology clearly, making it the correct response.
Choice C reason: Inguinal hernias are typically acquired due to abdominal wall weakness or increased intra-abdominal pressure, not prenatal growth abnormalities. Congenital hernias (e.g., indirect inguinal) are less common in adults, making this an inaccurate explanation for the patient’s condition.
Choice D reason: Referring the patient back to the physician avoids the nurse’s responsibility to educate. Nurses are equipped to explain diagnoses like hernias in simple terms, and deferring entirely does not address the patient’s immediate need for understanding, making this less optimal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Inspection is the primary technique to further assess a raw, inflamed throat, allowing visualization of color, swelling, or lesions. This non-invasive method is appropriate, making it the correct choice for throat assessment.
Choice B reason: Palpation is inappropriate for a raw throat, as it may cause pain or spread infection. Inspection visually evaluates inflammation, so this is incorrect for further assessment.
Choice C reason: Percussion is used for chest or abdomen, not throat assessment. Visual inspection is needed for inflamed throat tissue, so this is incorrect for the technique required.
Choice D reason: Auscultation is for sounds (e.g., lungs), not visual throat changes. Inspection allows direct observation of inflammation, so this is incorrect for assessing throat condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Simultaneously palpating both carotid arteries is dangerous, risking reduced cerebral blood flow, especially in cardiovascular patients. Using the bell to listen for bruits is safer, so this is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Deep breaths are for lung auscultation, not carotid, where patients hold breath to reduce noise. The bell detects low-pitched bruits, so instructing deep breaths is incorrect for carotid assessment.
Choice C reason: Compressing the carotid artery risks reducing blood flow or dislodging plaques, which is unsafe. Listening with the bell for bruits is the standard method, so this is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Listening with the bell of the stethoscope detects low-frequency bruits, indicating carotid artery narrowing, which is critical in cardiovascular disease. This is the correct technique for safe assessment.
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