In examining a 70-year-old male patient, the nurse notices that he has bilateral gynecomastia.
Which of the following describes the nurse's best course of action?
Explain that gynecomastia in men is usually associated with prostate enlargement and recommend that he be thoroughly screened.
Acknowledge it as benign breast enlargement, which is not unusual in men.
Recommend that he make an appointment with his physician for a mammogram.
Explain that this condition may be the result of hormonal changes and recommend that he see his physician.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While prostate enlargement is common in older men, it is not typically directly associated with bilateral gynecomastia. Gynecomastia primarily involves breast tissue enlargement due to hormonal imbalances, not glandular changes related to the prostate. Recommending prostate screening solely based on gynecomastia is not the most direct or scientifically sound approach.
Choice B rationale
Acknowledging gynecomastia as benign breast enlargement without further investigation might be premature. While some cases in older men are benign and related to aging, it can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions or medication side effects that require evaluation. Dismissing it without investigation could miss a treatable cause.
Choice C rationale
A mammogram is a screening tool for breast cancer, which is rare in men but possible. However, gynecomastia is characterized by benign glandular tissue proliferation, distinct from the tissue changes typically associated with male breast cancer. While a physician might order one to rule out malignancy, it's not the initial recommended action based solely on the finding of bilateral gynecomastia.
Choice D rationale
Gynecomastia in men can result from various hormonal changes, including a decrease in testosterone levels relative to estrogen, or an increase in estrogen production. Certain medical conditions and medications can also disrupt hormonal balance. Recommending a physician visit to investigate potential underlying causes of hormonal changes is the most appropriate initial action to determine the etiology of the gynecomastia and guide further management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy. They are broken down into glucose, which cells use for fuel to perform various functions, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and maintaining body temperature.
Choice B rationale
Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, are minerals that carry an electrical charge and are crucial for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. While some foods containing carbohydrates may also contain electrolytes, providing energy is not their primary function. Normal ranges for serum sodium are 135-145 mEq/L, potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, and chloride is 95-105 mEq/L.
Choice C rationale
Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs for various functions, including building strong bones, transmitting nerve impulses, and maintaining fluid balance. Examples include calcium, iron, and zinc. While essential, they are not primarily known for providing direct energy. Normal ranges for serum calcium are 8.5-10.5 mg/dL, iron varies by gender (males: 65-175 mcg/dL, females: 50-170 mcg/dL), and zinc is 70-120 mcg/dL.
Choice D rationale
Vitamins are organic compounds that the body needs in small amounts for various metabolic processes. They do not directly provide energy but help the body utilize energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Examples include vitamin C, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Normal ranges vary widely depending on the specific vitamin.
Correct Answer is ["B","E","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperresonance is a booming sound elicited during percussion, typically heard over hyperinflated lung tissue, such as in emphysema or pneumothorax. In the abdominal assessment, hyperresonance is generally not an expected finding and may indicate gaseous distension.
Choice B rationale
Flatness is a dull, very soft sound with a short duration, usually heard over dense tissues such as bone or muscle. In the abdomen, flatness is not a typical percussion sound and might be elicited over a large tumor or organomegaly.
Choice C rationale
Dullness is a thud-like sound with a medium intensity and duration, typically heard over solid organs such as the liver, spleen, or a distended bladder. In the abdominal assessment, dullness is an expected finding over these organs.
Choice D rationale
Resonance is a hollow sound of moderate duration and low pitch, typically heard over normal lung tissue. Resonance is not an expected percussion sound in the abdominal assessment; tympany and dullness are the predominant sounds.
Choice E rationale
Tympany is a drum-like sound with high pitch and longer duration, commonly heard over air-filled structures such as the stomach and intestines. Tympany is the predominant percussion sound expected over most of the abdomen due to the presence of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
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