The physician orders Salagen 10 mg PO twice a day for dry eyes.

The medication is supplied in 5-mg tablets.

How many tablets will the nurse administer?

Choice A rationale

While a sudden and significant asymmetry in breast size or shape could indicate a new issue such as inflammation or a growth and warrants investigation, a slight, long-standing asymmetry is quite common among women. It does not automatically signify a pathological condition.

Choice B rationale

It is a well-established fact that many women have some degree of natural asymmetry in their breast size and shape. However, it is crucial for the nurse to ascertain if this finding is new for the patient. A recent change in asymmetry could be a sign of a developing condition that requires further evaluation.

Choice C rationale

While any new or significant asymmetry should be evaluated by a physician to rule out underlying issues, a long-standing, slight asymmetry is a common physiological variation and does not necessarily require immediate referral unless other concerning signs or symptoms are present.

Choice D rationale

Breastfeeding can sometimes cause temporary changes in breast size due to milk production and engorgement, and one breast might produce slightly more milk than the other. However, a noticeable and persistent asymmetry might predate breastfeeding or persist beyond it, and while it might be benign, attributing it solely to breastfeeding without further assessment of its history is not prudent. .

Choice A rationale

Normoactive bowel sounds are the typical, intermittent gurgling sounds heard during a bowel assessment, indicating normal peristalsis and intestinal activity. The absence of any sounds for 30 seconds suggests a significant reduction or cessation of this activity, which is not consistent with normoactive findings.

Choice B rationale

Hypoactive bowel sounds are characterized by infrequent and faint gurgling sounds, indicating a decrease in intestinal motility. While a pause of 30 seconds without any sounds might precede hypoactive sounds, the complete absence of sounds for this duration is more indicative of a further reduction in bowel activity than simply hypoactivity.

Choice C rationale

Absent bowel sounds are documented when no bowel sounds are heard after listening in each of the four abdominal quadrants for a specified period, typically ranging from 2 to 5 minutes per quadrant. A 30-second period without any sounds in one area is a significant finding that should be documented as absent in that specific quadrant, warranting further assessment.

Choice D rationale

Hyperactive bowel sounds are loud, high-pitched, and frequent gurgling sounds, often described as "borborygmi" or stomach rumbling. These sounds indicate increased intestinal motility, which is the opposite of the finding of no bowel sounds for 30 seconds.