The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

“This must be very difficult for you. I am here if you want to talk.”.

“Can you tell me why you are so upset?”

“I am sure everything will be alright. There is no need to cry.”.

“You will recover.”.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

When a patient is informed about a serious diagnosis like breast cancer and the need for a mastectomy, it is common for them to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, fear, and anxiety. As a nurse, providing emotional support and creating a safe space for the patient to express their feelings is crucial. Offering to be there for the patient if they want to talk acknowledges their emotional distress and provides comfort.

Choice B rationale

Asking the patient why they are upset may come across as insensitive or dismissive. The patient has just received a life-changing diagnosis, and their emotional reaction is completely normal and expected. It’s important to provide support and empathy rather than questioning their feelings.

Choice C rationale

Telling the patient that everything will be alright and there is no need to cry may seem comforting, but it can actually invalidate the patient’s feelings. It’s important to acknowledge the patient’s emotions and allow them to express their feelings without judgment.

Choice D rationale

Telling the patient that they will recover may be seen as providing false reassurance. While it’s important to maintain hope, it’s also crucial to be honest and realistic with the patient about their diagnosis and treatment.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur after insulin administration. However, the onset of hypoglycemia is not immediate. Insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin, has a peak action time of approximately 1-3 hours after administration. Therefore, assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia at 0800, one hour after administration, may be too early.

Choice B rationale

Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia at 0730, 30 minutes after insulin administration, is too early. The peak action time of insulin aspart is approximately 1-3 hours after administration. Therefore, the nurse should start assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia closer to the time of peak action.

Choice C rationale

Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia at 1130, four and a half hours after insulin administration, may be too late. The peak action time of insulin aspart is approximately 1-3 hours after administration. Therefore, the nurse should start assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia closer to the time of peak action.

Choice D rationale

Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia at 1000, three hours after insulin administration, is within the peak action time of insulin aspart. Therefore, this is the most appropriate time to start assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

A. Administer the PRN antianxiety medication. B. Call the rapid response team. C. Increase the intravenous infusion rate. D. Prepare for mechanical ventilation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Administering the PRN antianxiety medication is not the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms—shortness of breath, anxiety, restlessness, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and decreased oxygen saturation—are indicative of a potential pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis. While anxiety can be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, treating it without addressing the underlying cause could delay necessary medical intervention.

Choice B rationale

Calling the rapid response team is the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The rapid response team can provide the necessary urgent care.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the intravenous infusion rate is not the most appropriate next step. While hydration is important, it would not address the immediate life-threatening situation. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate medical intervention.

Choice D rationale

Preparing for mechanical ventilation is not the most appropriate next step. While the client’s decreased oxygen saturation and increased respiratory rate suggest respiratory distress, the priority should be to address the potential pulmonary embolism. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary later depending on the client’s response to treatment.

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The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

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The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?