The nurse is developing the discharge plan for a woman who has had a left-sided radical mastectomy. The nurse is including instructions for ways to minimize lymphedema. Which statement by the client indicates the need for additional instruction?
"I need to avoid driving to and from work every day."
"Any blood pressures need to be taken in my right arm."
"I need to wear gloves when doing any gardening."
"I should wear clothing with elasticized sleeves."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "I need to avoid driving to and from work every day."
This statement indicates a misunderstanding of how to minimize lymphedema. Driving itself does not directly contribute to lymphedema. However, activities that involve prolonged or repetitive use of the affected arm, such as gripping the steering wheel while driving for long periods, may increase the risk of developing lymphedema. The nurse should clarify that while driving is generally acceptable, the client should take breaks and perform arm exercises during long drives to promote circulation.
B. "Any blood pressures need to be taken in my right arm."
This statement demonstrates correct understanding. Taking blood pressure measurements, administering injections, or obtaining blood samples from the unaffected arm helps prevent trauma or injury to the arm at risk for lymphedema. This practice helps avoid disrupting lymphatic flow and reduces the risk of developing lymphedema in the affected arm.
C. "I need to wear gloves when doing any gardening."
Wearing gloves during gardening is a recommended precaution to minimize the risk of injury and infection, especially if the client has undergone lymph node removal. This statement reflects appropriate understanding and adherence to preventive measures to protect the affected arm from cuts, scratches, and potential infection that could exacerbate lymphedema.
D. "I should wear clothing with elasticized sleeves."
This statement indicates a misunderstanding of how to minimize lymphedema. While elasticized sleeves or compression garments can help manage lymphedema by providing gentle compression and support to the affected arm, wearing tight or constrictive clothing, including elasticized sleeves, can potentially restrict lymphatic flow and exacerbate lymphedema. The nurse should clarify that loose-fitting clothing is preferable to allow unrestricted movement and circulation in the affected arm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Have the technician come back later on:
This option suggests delaying the blood draw until a later time when the IV line is removed or after the infusion is completed. While this may seem like a reasonable approach to avoid interfering with the IV line, it could lead to unnecessary delays in obtaining essential laboratory test results.
B. Notify the surgeon to obtain the specimen via a cut-down procedure:
This option involves a more invasive procedure, called a cut-down, which is typically reserved for situations where peripheral venous access is challenging or impossible. It involves making an incision to expose a vein for direct cannulation. This approach is not warranted in this scenario, where obtaining blood from the opposite arm is a standard and less invasive practice.
C. Tell the technician to obtain the specimen from the client's left arm:
This option is the most appropriate response. It instructs the technician to draw blood from the client's left arm, which is free from the IV line. Drawing blood from the opposite arm minimizes the risk of complications associated with interfering with the IV infusion.
D. Stop the technician immediately:
While stopping the technician immediately may prevent them from proceeding with the incorrect approach, it lacks specific guidance on how to proceed correctly. It's essential to provide clear instructions to the technician to draw blood from the opposite arm rather than simply halting the procedure without further direction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Promote the progression of disease:
This statement is incorrect. The goal of HIV treatment is precisely the opposite: to inhibit the progression of the disease. HIV treatment, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), aims to suppress the replication of the virus in the body, slow down the progression of HIV infection, and prevent the development of AIDS-related complications. Promoting the progression of the disease would be counterproductive and contrary to the objectives of HIV management.
B. Conduct additional drug research:
Conducting additional drug research may be a goal in the broader context of advancing HIV treatment and finding new therapeutic approaches. However, it is not the primary goal of providing aggressive drug therapy to an individual client who is already undergoing treatment for HIV. The focus of aggressive drug therapy in this scenario is to effectively manage the virus, improve the client's health outcomes, and enhance their quality of life.
C. Intervene in late-stage AIDS:
Intervening in late-stage AIDS may be necessary in some cases to manage complications and improve outcomes for individuals with advanced HIV disease. However, the goal of aggressive drug therapy for HIV is not specifically to intervene only in late-stage AIDS. Instead, the goal is to initiate treatment as early as possible after HIV diagnosis, regardless of disease stage, to prevent the progression of HIV infection to AIDS and to maintain immune function.
D. Improve survival rates:
This is the correct choice. The primary goal of aggressive drug therapy for HIV, particularly with antiretroviral therapy (ART), is to improve survival rates. By effectively suppressing the replication of the virus, ART helps to preserve immune function, reduce the risk of opportunistic infections, and prolong the lifespan of individuals living with HIV. Improving survival rates is a key objective of HIV treatment and reflects the success of aggressive drug therapy in managing the infection.
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