A nurse is reinforcing teaching about testicular self-examination with a young adult client.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale

Poor judgment is typically associated with right-hemisphere strokes, which impair attention, spatial orientation, and awareness. Left-hemisphere strokes primarily affect language and motor function, sparing judgment and spatial abilities. Understanding hemispheric stroke effects helps anticipate patient deficits.

Choice B rationale

Impulsiveness is also linked to right-hemisphere strokes, resulting from disrupted executive function and self-monitoring. Left-hemisphere strokes affect logical reasoning and language skills, rarely leading to impulsive behavior.

Choice C rationale

Left-sided weakness is characteristic of right-hemisphere strokes due to contralateral motor control. Left-hemisphere strokes typically cause right-sided motor impairments. Recognizing this distinction aids in accurate diagnosis and therapy.

Choice D rationale

Aphasia is a hallmark of left-hemisphere strokes, as this hemisphere controls speech and language in most individuals. Damage to regions like Broca’s or Wernicke’s area leads to expressive or receptive language deficits, necessitating targeted therapy for rehabilitation. .

Choice A rationale

Odor is typical with colostomy stools, originating from bacterial digestion in the colon. It does not indicate pathology. Proper hygiene and dietary modifications help minimize it but are not alarming. Persistent foul odor could suggest infection, warranting medical review only if paired with other symptoms like fever.

Choice B rationale

Soft or unformed stools are consistent with colonic waste excretion post-colostomy. Stool consistency varies based on stoma location in the colon. Proximal colostomies generally produce less formed stools, and this finding is expected unless linked to diarrhea or dehydration concerns.

Choice C rationale

A purplish stoma indicates compromised blood flow and potential ischemia, necessitating immediate provider notification. Normal stoma color is pink to red, reflecting adequate perfusion. Stoma ischemia can lead to necrosis and systemic infection, requiring urgent surgical evaluation and management.

Choice D rationale

Slight bleeding around the stoma is typical, especially during cleaning or bag changes. The stoma is vascular and prone to minor trauma-induced bleeding. Persistent or heavy bleeding may indicate pathology, but slight bleeding is a benign and expected finding requiring no urgent action.