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

Palpating the unaffected breast first establishes a baseline for what is normal for the patient. This allows the nurse to then compare any findings on the affected breast, where the patient has noted a lump, to the patient's normal breast tissue. This comparative approach aids in identifying any true abnormalities.

Choice B rationale

Palpating the breast with the lump first could introduce anxiety and may make it more difficult to thoroughly assess the unaffected breast due to the patient's potential apprehension. While axillary lymph node assessment is crucial, delaying it slightly after the initial breast examination allows for a more systematic approach.

Choice C rationale

Avoiding palpation of a newly discovered lump is inappropriate nursing practice. A new lump warrants investigation to determine its nature. Palpation is a key component of the physical examination and helps to assess the size, shape, consistency, and mobility of the lump, providing essential information for further evaluation.

Choice D rationale

Palpating the lump first, without establishing a baseline on the unaffected breast, makes it harder to determine if the finding is truly new or abnormal for this specific patient. Comparing findings to the contralateral breast is a standard technique in breast examination to identify deviations from the norm.

Choice A rationale

Vanilla pudding is often restricted in dysphagia diets due to its smooth, slippery texture, which can be difficult to control in the oral cavity and increases the risk of aspiration into the airway. Individuals with dysphagia may have impaired swallowing mechanisms, making thin, liquid-like consistencies particularly hazardous.

Choice B rationale

Cranberry juice is a thin liquid and poses a significant aspiration risk for a patient with dysphagia. Thin liquids are difficult to manage in the mouth and throat, increasing the likelihood of the liquid entering the trachea instead of the esophagus. Patients with swallowing difficulties often require thickened liquids to improve bolus control.

Choice C rationale

Beef broth is a clear liquid and, similar to cranberry juice, presents a high risk of aspiration for a patient with dysphagia. Its thin consistency makes it challenging for individuals with impaired swallowing to control its movement, potentially leading to it entering the airway and causing respiratory complications.

Choice D rationale

Orange gelatin, while seemingly semi-solid, often melts into a thin liquid in the mouth due to body temperature. This change in consistency makes it difficult to control and increases the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia. Gelatin's slippery texture further compounds this risk.