DNI MS 1: Ch. 50-51
The nurse is assessing the sexual-reproductive functional health pattern of a 32-yr-old woman. Which question is most useful in determining the patient's sexual orientation and related risk factors? a. "Do you have sex with men, women, or both?" b. "Which gender do you prefer to have sex with?" c. "What types of sexual activities do you prefer?" d. "Are you heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual?"
a. "Do you have sex with men, women, or both?" This question is the most simply stated and will increase the likelihood of obtaining the relevant information about sexual orientation and possible risk factors associated with sexual activity. A patient who prefers sex with women may also have intercourse at times with men. The types of sexual activities engaged in may not indicate sexual orientation. Many patients who have sex with both men and women do not identify themselves as homosexual or bisexual.
A patient who is scheduled for a lumpectomy and axillary lymph node dissection tells the nurse, "I would rather not know much about the surgery." Which response by the nurse is best? a. "Tell me what you think is important to know about the surgery." b. "It is essential that you know enough to provide informed consent." c. "Many patients do better after surgery if they have more information." d. "You can wait until after surgery for teaching about pain management."
a. "Tell me what you think is important to know about the surgery." This response shows sensitivity to the individual patient's need for information about the surgery. The other responses are also accurate, but the nurse should tailor patient teaching to individual patient preferences.
Which information will the nurse include in patient teaching for a 36-yr-old patient who is scheduled for stereotactic core biopsy of the breast? a. A local anesthetic will be given before the biopsy specimen is obtained. b. You will need to lie flat on your back and lie very still during the biopsy. c. A thin needle will be inserted into the lump and aspirated to remove tissue. d. You should not have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure.
a. A local anesthetic will be given before the biopsy specimen is obtained. A local anesthetic is given before stereotactic biopsy. NPO status is not needed because no sedative drugs are given. The patient is placed in the prone position. A biopsy gun is used to obtain the specimens.
A 51-yr-old patient with a small immobile breast lump is considering having a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The nurse explains that an advantage to this procedure is that a. FNA is done in the outpatient clinic, and results are available in 1 to 2 days. b. only a small incision is needed, resulting in minimal breast pain and scarring. c. if the biopsy results are negative, no further diagnostic testing will be needed. d. FNA is guided by a mammogram, ensuring that cells are taken from the lesion.
a. FNA is done in the outpatient clinic, and results are available in 1 to 2 days. FNA is done in outpatient settings, and results are available in 24 to 48 hours. No incision is needed. FNA may be guided by ultrasound but not by mammogram. Because the immobility of the breast lump suggests cancer, further testing will be done if the FNA results are negative.
The nurse will anticipate teaching a patient who is diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) about a. tamoxifen b. lumpectomy. c. lymphatic mapping. d. MammaPrint testing.
a. tamoxifen Tamoxifen is used as a chemopreventive therapy in some patients with LCIS. The other diagnostic tests and therapies are not needed because LCIS does not usually require treatment.
After a 48-yr-old patient has had a modified radical mastectomy, the pathology report identifies the tumor as an estrogen-receptor positive adenocarcinoma. The nurse will plan to teach the patient about a. tamoxifen b. estradiol (Estrace). c. raloxifene (Evista). d. trastuzumab (Herceptin).
a. tamoxifen Tamoxifen is used for estrogen-dependent breast tumors in premenopausal women. Raloxifene is used to prevent breast cancer, but it is not used postmastectomy to treat breast cancer. Estradiol will increase the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors. Trastuzumab is used to treat tumors that have the HER-2 receptor.
A patient diagnosed with breast cancer asks the nurse what "triple negative" means. An accurate response from the nurse about triple-negative breast cancer should include that a. the tumor is not likely to be responsive to hormone therapy. b. HER-2 receptor testing was repeated for a total of three samples. c. treatment with chemotherapy is not likely to be recommended. d. estrogen receptor testing identified the three hormones causing the cancer.
a. the tumor is not likely to be responsive to hormone therapy. A patient whose breast cancer tests negative for all three receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2) has triple-negative breast cancer. These cancers do not usually respond to hormone therapy or therapy for the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). Chemotherapy appears to have the most success in treating triple-negative breast cancer.
When using the accompanying illustration to teach a patient about breast self-examination, the nurse will include the information that most breast cancers are located in which part of the breast? a. upper outer quadrant b. upper inner quadrant c. lower outer quadrant d. lower inner quadrant e. nipple
a. upper outer quadrant The upper outer quadrant is the location of most of the glandular tissue of the breast.
A 22-yr-old patient reports her concern about not having a menstrual period for the past 7 months. Which statement by the patient indicates a possible related factor to the amenorrhea? a. "I drink at least 3 glasses of nonfat milk every day." b. "I run 7 to 8 miles every day to manage my weight." c. "I am not sexually active but currently I have an IUD." d. "I was treated for a sexually transmitted infection 2 years ago."
b. "I run 7 to 8 miles every day to manage my weight." Intense endurance exercise can cause amenorrhea. The other statements by the patient do not suggest any urgent teaching needs.
The nurse provides discharge teaching for a 61-yr-old patient who has had a left modified radical mastectomy and lymph node dissection. Which statement by the patient indicates that teaching has been successful? a. "I will need to use my right arm and to rest the left one." b. "I will avoid reaching over the stove with my left hand." c. "I will keep my left arm in a sling until the incision is healed." d. "I will stop the left arm exercises if moving the arm is painful."
b. "I will avoid reaching over the stove with my left hand." The patient should avoid any activity that might injure the left arm, such as reaching over a burner. If the left arm exercises are painful, analgesics should be used and the exercises continued in order to restore strength and range of motion. The left arm should be elevated at or above heart level and should be used to improve range of motion and function.
Which patient statement indicates that the nurse's teaching about tamoxifen has been effective? a. "I can expect to have leg cramps." b. "I will call if I have any eye problems." c. "I should contact you if I have hot flashes." d. "I will be taking the medication for 6 to 12 months."
b. "I will call if I have any eye problems." Retinopathy, cataracts, and decreased visual acuity should be immediately reported because it is likely that the tamoxifen will be discontinued or decreased. Tamoxifen treatment generally lasts 5 years. Hot flashes are an expected side effect of tamoxifen. Leg cramps may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, and the patient should immediately notify the health care provider if pain occurs.
A 58-yr-old woman tells the nurse, "I understand that I have stage II breast cancer and I need to decide on a surgery, but I feel overwhelmed. What do you think I should do?" Which response by the nurse is best? a. "I would have a lumpectomy, but you need to decide what is best for you." b. "Tell me what you understand about the surgical options that are available." c. "It would not be appropriate for me to make a decision about your health." d. "There is no need to make a decision rapidly; you have time to think about this."
b. "Tell me what you understand about the surgical options that are available." Inquiring about the patient's understanding shows the nurse's willingness to assist the patient with the decision-making process without imposing the nurse's values or opinions. Treatment decisions for breast cancer do need to be made relatively quickly. Imposing the nurse's opinions or showing an unwillingness to discuss the topic could cut off communication.
Which assessment finding in a 36-yr-old patient is most indicative of a need for further evaluation? a. Bilateral breast nodules that are tender with palpation b. A breast nodule that is 1 cm in size, nontender, and fixed c. A breast lump that increases in size before the menstrual period d. A breast lump that is small, mobile, with a rubbery consistency
b. A breast nodule that is 1 cm in size, nontender, and fixed Painless and fixed lumps suggest breast cancer. The other findings are more suggestive of benign processes such as fibrocystic breasts and fibroadenoma.
A 36-yr-old patient who has a diagnosis of fibrocystic breast changes calls the nurse in the clinic reporting symptoms. Which information is likely to change the treatment plan? a. There is yellow discharge from the patient's right nipple. b. An area on the breast is hot, pink, and tender to the touch. c. Firm, moveable lumps are in the upper outer breast quadrants. d. The lumps get more painful before the patient's menstrual period.
b. An area on the breast is hot, pink, and tender to the touch. An area that is hot or pink suggests an infectious process such as mastitis, which would require further assessment and treatment. Manifestations of fibrocystic breast changes include one or more palpable lumps that are often round, well delineated, and freely movable within the breast. Discomfort ranging from tenderness to pain may also occur. The lump is usually observed to increase in size and perhaps in tenderness before menstruation. Nipple discharge associated with fibrocystic breasts is often milky, watery-milky, yellow, or green.
Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient with right arm lymphedema? a. Avoid isometric exercise on the right arm. b. Assist with application of a compression sleeve. c. Keep the right arm at or below the level of the heart. d. Check blood pressure (BP) on both right and left arms.
b. Assist with application of a compression sleeve. Compression of the arm assists in improving lymphatic flow toward the heart. Isometric exercises may be prescribed for lymphedema. BPs should only be done on the patient's left arm. The arm should not be placed in a dependent position.
Which information should the nurse include in teaching a patient who is scheduled for external beam radiation to the breast? a. The radiation therapy will take a week to complete. b. Careful skin care in the radiated area will be necessary. c. Visitors are restricted until the radiation therapy is completed. d. Wigs may be used until the hair regrows after radiation therapy.
b. Careful skin care in the radiated area will be necessary. Skin care will be needed because of the damage caused to the skin by the radiation. External beam radiation is done over a 5- to 6-week period. Scalp hair loss does not occur with breast radiation therapy. Because the patient does not have radioactive implants, no visitor restrictions are necessary.
A 33-yr-old patient has a saline breast implant inserted in the outpatient surgery area. Which instruction will the nurse include in the discharge teaching? a. Take aspirin every 4 hours to reduce inflammation. b. Check wound drains for excessive blood or a foul odor. c. Wear a loose-fitting bra to decrease irritation of the sutures. d. Resume normal activities 2 to 3 days after the mammoplasty.
b. Check wound drains for excessive blood or a foul odor. The patient should be taught drain care because the drains will be in place for 2 or 3 days after surgery. Normal activities can be resumed after 2 to 3 weeks. A bra that provides good support is typically ordered. Aspirin will decrease coagulation and is typically not given after surgery.
An 18-yr-old female patient who has been admitted to the emergency department after a motor vehicle crash is scheduled for chest and abdominal x-rays. Which information may alter the plans for the x-rays? a. Report of abdominal pain b. Positive result of hCG test c. Blood pressure of 172/88 mm Hg d. Temperature of 102.1°F (38.9°C)
b. Positive result of hCG test Positive hCG testing indicates that the patient is pregnant and that abdominal x-rays should be avoided if possible. The other information is also important to report promptly, but it will not affect whether the x-rays should be done.
The nurse notes bilateral enlargement of the breasts during examination of a 62-yr-old male patient. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Refer the patient for mammography. b. Question the patient about current medications. c. Explain that this is temporary due to hormonal changes. d. Teach the patient how to palpate the breast tissue for lumps.
b. Question the patient about current medications. The first action should be further assessment. Because gynecomastia is a possible side effect of drug therapy, asking about the current drug regimen is appropriate. The other actions may be needed, depending on the data that are obtained with further assessment.
The nurse is providing preoperative teaching about the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) procedure to a patient. Which information will the nurse include? a. Saline-filled implants are placed under the pectoral muscles. b. Recovery from the TRAM surgery takes at least 6 to 8 weeks. c. Muscle tissue removed from the back is used to form a breast. d. TRAM flap procedures may be done in outpatient surgery centers.
b. Recovery from the TRAM surgery takes at least 6 to 8 weeks. Patients take at least 6 to 8 weeks to recover from the TRAM surgery. Tissue from the abdomen is used to reconstruct the breast. The TRAM procedure can take up to 8 hours and requires postoperative hospitalization. Saline implants are used in mammoplasty.
A 24-yr-old woman says she wants to begin using oral contraceptives. Which information from the nursing assessment is important to report to the health care provider before a prescription is considered? a. The patient quit smoking 5 months previously. b. The patient's blood pressure is 150/86 mm Hg. c. The patient has not been vaccinated for rubella. d. The patient has chronic iron-deficiency anemia.
b. The patient's blood pressure is 150/86 mm Hg. Because hypertension increases the risk for morbidity and mortality in women taking oral contraceptives, the patient's blood pressure should be controlled before oral contraceptives are prescribed. The other information will not affect the choice of contraceptive.
Which information shown in the accompanying figure and obtained by the nurse about a 72-yr-old man who is complaining of erectile dysfunction is most important to communicate to the health care provider? History: - Takes three medications for hypertension - Recent knee surgery Physical Exam: - Uncircumcised, foreskin easily retractable - Left testis hangs lower than right - Decreased pubic hair Vital Signs: - Temperature 97.6 F - Pulse 64 beats/minute - Respirations 22 breaths/minute - Blood pressure 134/70 mm Hg a. Recent knee surgery b. Use of antihypertensives c. Low position of left testis d. Pulse and blood pressure level
b. Use of antihypertensives Many medications used for hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction. More information is needed regarding the specific medications. The other assessment data will not impact erectile function (recent knee surgery) or are normal for a 70-yr-old man (physical examination data and vital signs).
A couple is scheduled to have a Huhner test for infertility. In preparation for the test, the nurse will instruct the couple about a. being sedated during the procedure. b. determining the estimated time of ovulation. c. experiencing shoulder pain after the procedure. d. refraining from intercourse before the appointment.
b. determining the estimated time of ovulation. For the Huhner test, the couple should have intercourse at the estimated time of ovulation and then arrive for the test 2 to 8 hours after intercourse. The other instructions would be used for other types of fertility testing.
After scheduling a patient with a possible ovarian cyst for ultrasound, the nurse will teach the patient that she should a. expect to receive IV contrast during the procedure. b. drink several glasses of fluids before the procedure. c. experience mild abdominal cramps after the procedure. d. discontinue taking aspirin for 7 days before the procedure.
b. drink several glasses of fluids before the procedure. A full bladder is needed for many ultrasound procedures, so the nurse will have the patient drink fluids before arriving for the ultrasound. The other instructions are not accurate for this procedure.
After a 26-yr-old patient has been treated for pelvic inflammatory disease, the nurse will plan to teach about the a. use of hormone therapy (HT). b. potential complication of infertility. c. irregularities in the menstrual cycle. d. changes in secondary sex characteristics.
b. potential complication of infertility. Pelvic inflammatory disease may cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and result in difficulty in fertilization or implantation of the fertilized egg. Because ovarian function is not affected, the patient will not require HT, have irregular menstrual cycles, or experience changes in secondary sex characteristics.
During a well-woman physical examination, a 43-yr-old patient asks about her risk for breast cancer. Which question is most pertinent for the nurse to ask? a. "Do you currently smoke tobacco?" b. "Have you ever had a breast injury?" c. "At what age did you start having menstrual periods?" d. "Is there a family history of fibrocystic breast changes?"
c. "At what age did you start having menstrual periods?" Early menarche and late menopause are risk factors for breast cancer because of the prolonged exposure to estrogen that occurs. Cigarette smoking, breast trauma, and fibrocystic breast changes are not associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Which question should the nurse ask when assessing a 60-yr-old patient who has a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? a. "Have you noticed any unusual discharge from your penis?" b. "Has there been any change in your sex life in the past year?" c. "Has there been a decrease in the force of your urinary stream?" d. "Have you been experiencing any difficulty in achieving an erection?"
c. "Has there been a decrease in the force of your urinary stream?" Enlargement of the prostate blocks the urethra, leading to urinary changes such as a decrease in the force of the urinary stream. The other questions address possible problems with infection or sexual difficulties, but they would not be helpful in determining whether there were functional changes caused by BPH.
A patient newly diagnosed with stage I breast cancer is discussing treatment options with the nurse. Which statement by the patient indicates that additional teaching may be needed? a. "There are several options that I can consider for treating the cancer." b. "I will probably need radiation to the breast after having the surgery." c. "Mastectomy is the best choice to decrease the chance of cancer recurrence." d. "I can probably have reconstructive surgery at the same time as a mastectomy."
c. "Mastectomy is the best choice to decrease the chance of cancer recurrence." The survival rates with lumpectomy and radiation or modified radical mastectomy are comparable. The other patient statements indicate a good understanding of stage I breast cancer treatment.
The following patients call the outpatient clinic. Which phone call should the nurse return first? a. A 44-yr-old patient who has bloody discharge after a hysteroscopy earlier today b. A 64-yr-old patient who is experiencing shoulder pain after a laparoscopy yesterday c. A 34-yr-old patient who is short of breath after having a pelvic CT with contrast dye d. A 54-yr-old patient who has severe breast tenderness following a needle aspiration breast biopsy
c. A 34-yr-old patient who is short of breath after having a pelvic CT with contrast dye The patient's dyspnea suggests a delayed reaction to the iodine dye used for the CT scan. The other patient's symptoms are not unusual after the procedures they had done.
A 19-yr-old patient calls the school clinic and tells the nurse, "My menstrual period is very heavy this time. I have to change my tampon every 4 hours." Which action should the nurse take next? a. Tell the patient that her flow is not unusually heavy. b. Schedule the patient for an appointment later that day. c. Ask the patient how heavy her usual menstrual flow is. d. Have the patient call again if the heavy flow continues.
c. Ask the patient how heavy her usual menstrual flow is. Because a heavy menstrual flow is usually indicated by saturating a pad or tampon in 1 to 2 hours, the nurse should first assess how heavy the patient's usual flow is. There is no need to schedule the patient for an appointment that day. The patient may need to call again, but this is not the first action that the nurse should take. Telling the patient that she does not have a heavy flow implies that the patient's concern is not important.
Which finding from the nurse's physical assessment of a 42-yr-old male patient should be reported to the health care provider? a. One testis hangs lower than the other. b. Genital hair distribution is diamond shaped. c. Clear discharge is present at the penile meatus. d. Inguinal lymph nodes are nonpalpable bilaterally.
c. Clear discharge is present at the penile meatus. Clear penile discharge may be indicative of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The other findings are normal and do not need to be reported.
Which nursing action should be included in the plan of care for a patient returning to the surgical unit after a left modified radical mastectomy with dissection of axillary lymph nodes? a. Obtain a permanent breast prosthesis before the patient is discharged from the hospital. b. Teach the patient to use the ordered patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) every 10 minutes. c. Post a sign at the bedside warning against venipunctures or blood pressures in the left arm. d. Insist that the patient examine the surgical incision when the initial dressings are removed.
c. Post a sign at the bedside warning against venipunctures or blood pressures in the left arm. The patient is at risk for lymphedema and infection if blood pressures or venipuncture are done on the right arm. The patient is taught to use the PCA as needed for pain control rather than at a set time. The nurse allows the patient to examine the incision and participate in care when the patient feels ready. Permanent breast prostheses are usually obtained about 6 weeks after surgery.
A 49-yr-old man who has type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and gastroesophageal reflux tells the nurse that he has had recent difficulty in achieving an erection. Which of the following drugs from his current medications list may cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? a. Ranitidine (Zantac) b. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) c. Propranolol (Inderal) d. Metformin (Glucophage)
c. Propranolol (Inderal) Some antihypertensives may cause ED, and the nurse should anticipate a change in antihypertensive therapy. The other medications will not affect erectile function.
A 53-yr-old woman who is experiencing menopause is discussing the use of hormone therapy (HT) with the nurse. Which information about the risk of breast cancer will the nurse provide? a. HT is a safe therapy for menopausal symptoms if there is no family history of BRCA genes. b. HT does not appear to increase the risk for breast cancer unless there are other risk factors. c. The patient and her health care provider must weigh the benefits of HT against the risks of breast cancer. d. Natural herbs are as effective as estrogen in relieving symptoms without increasing the risk of breast cancer.
c. The patient and her health care provider must weigh the benefits of HT against the risks of breast cancer. Because HT has been linked to increased risk for breast cancer, the patient and health care provider must determine whether or not to use HT. Breast cancer incidence is increased in women using HT, independent of other risk factors. HT increases the risk for both non-BRCA-associated cancer and BRCA-related cancers. Alternative therapies can be used but are not consistent in relieving menopausal symptoms.
The nurse is caring for a patient with breast cancer who is receiving chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Which assessment finding is most important to communicate to the health care provider? a. The patient complains of fatigue. b. The patient eats only 25% of meals. c. The patient's apical pulse is irregular. d. The patient's white blood cell (WBC) count is 5000/µL.
c. The patient's apical pulse is irregular. Doxorubicin can cause cardiac toxicity. The dysrhythmia should be reported because it may indicate a need for a change in therapy. Anorexia, fatigue, and a low-normal WBC count are expected effects of chemotherapy.
The nurse is providing teaching by telephone to a patient who is scheduled for a pelvic examination and Pap test next week. The nurse instructs the patient that she should a. not have sexual intercourse the day before the Pap test. b. shower, but not take a tub bath, before the examination. c. avoid douching for at least 24 hours before the examination. d. schedule to have the Pap test just after her menstrual period.
c. avoid douching for at least 24 hours before the examination. Because the results of a Pap test may be affected by douching, the patient should not douche before the examination. The examination may be scheduled without regard to the menstrual period. The patient may shower or bathe before the examination. Sexual intercourse does not affect the results of the examination or Pap test.
A 68-yr-old male patient tells the nurse that he is worried because he does not respond to sexual stimulation the same way he did when he was younger. Which is the nurse's best response to the patient's concern? a. "Interest in sex frequently decreases as men get older." b. "Many men need additional sexual stimulation with aging." c. "Erectile dysfunction is a common problem with older men." d. "Tell me more about how your sexual response has changed."
d. "Tell me more about how your sexual response has changed." The initial response by the nurse should be further assessment of the problem. The other statements by the nurse are accurate but may not respond to the patient's concerns.
The outpatient clinic receives telephone calls from four patients. Which patient should the nurse call back first? a. A 57-yr-old patient with ductal ectasia who has sticky multicolored nipple discharge and severe nipple itching b. A 21-yr-old patient with a family history of breast cancer who wants to discuss genetic testing for the BRCA gene c. A 40-yr-old patient who still has left side chest and arm pain 2 months after a left modified radical mastectomy d. A 50-yr-old patient with stage 2 breast cancer who is receiving doxorubicin and has ankle swelling and fatigue
d. A 50-yr-old patient with stage 2 breast cancer who is receiving doxorubicin and has ankle swelling and fatigue Although all the patients have needs that the nurse should address, the patient who is receiving a cardiotoxic medication and has symptoms of heart failure should be assessed by the nurse first. BRCA testing may be appropriate for the 21-yr-old patient, but it does not need to be done immediately. Chest and arm pain are normal up to 3 months after mastectomy. Nipple discharge and itching is a common finding with ductal ectasia.
A patient has had left-sided lumpectomy (breast-conservation surgery) and an axillary lymph node dissection. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)? a. Teaching the patient how to avoid injury to the left arm b. Assessing the patient's range of motion for the left arm c. Evaluating the patient's understanding of instructions about drain care d. Administering an analgesic 30 minutes before scheduled arm exercises
d. Administering an analgesic 30 minutes before scheduled arm exercises LPN/LVN education and scope of practice include administration and evaluation of the effects of analgesics. Assessment, teaching, and evaluation of a patient's understanding of instructions are more complex tasks that are more appropriate to RN level education and scope of practice.
The nurse is admitting a patient scheduled this morning for lumpectomy and axillary lymph node dissection. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Teach the patient how to deep breathe and cough. b. Discuss options for postoperative pain management. c. Explain the post discharge care of the axillary drains. d. Ask the patient to describe what she knows about the surgery.
d. Ask the patient to describe what she knows about the surgery. Before teaching, the nurse should assess the patient's current knowledge level. The other teaching also may be appropriate, depending on the assessment findings.
When the nurse is working in the women's health care clinic, which action is appropriate to take? a. Teach a healthy 30-yr-old patient about the need for an annual mammogram. b. Discuss scheduling an annual clinical breast examination with a 22-year-old patient. c. Explain to a 60-yr-old patient that mammography frequency can be reduced to every 3 years. d. Teach a 28-yr-old patient with a BRCA-1 mutation about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
d. Teach a 28-yr-old patient with a BRCA-1 mutation about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI (in addition to mammography) is recommended for women who are at high risk for breast cancer. A woman should have a clinical breast examination about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women age 40 years and older. Annual mammograms are recommended for women older than 40 years of age.
A patient in the sexually transmitted infection clinic has a positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, but no chancre is visible on assessment. The nurse will plan to send specimens for a. Gram stain. b. cytologic studies. c. rapid plasma reagin (RPR) agglutination. d. fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-Abs).
d. fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-Abs). Because false positives are common with VDRL and RPR testing, FTA-Abs testing is recommended to confirm a diagnosis of syphilis. Gram staining is used for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia and cytologic studies are used to detect abnormal cells (e.g., neoplastic cells).
The nurse explains to a patient being prepared for colposcopy with a cervical biopsy that the procedure a. involves dilation of the cervix and biopsy of the tissue lining the uterus. b. will take place in a same-day surgery center so that local anesthesia can be used. c. requires that the patient have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure. d. is similar to a speculum examination of the cervix and should result in little discomfort.
d. is similar to a speculum examination of the cervix and should result in little discomfort. Colposcopy involves visualization of the cervix with a binocular microscope and is similar to a speculum examination. Anesthesia is not required and fasting is not necessary. A cervical biopsy may cause a minimal amount of pain.
The nurse teaching a young women's community service group about breast self-examination (BSE) will include that a. BSE will reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. b. BSE should be done daily while taking a bath or shower. c. annual mammograms should be scheduled in addition to BSE. d. performing BSE after the menstrual period is more comfortable.
d. performing BSE after the menstrual period is more comfortable. Performing BSE at the end of the menstrual period will reduce the breast tenderness associated with the procedure. The evidence is not clear that BSE reduces mortality from breast cancer. BSE should be done monthly. Annual mammograms are not routinely scheduled for women younger than age 40 years, and newer guidelines suggest delaying them until age 50.
The nurse will plan to teach a 51-yr-old man who is scheduled for an annual physical examination about a(n) a. increased risk for testicular cancer. b. possible changes in erectile function. c. normal decreases in testosterone level. d. prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing.
d. prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing. PSA testing may be recommended annually for men, starting at age 50. There is no indication that the other patient teaching topics are appropriate for this patient.
The nurse will teach a patient with metastatic breast cancer who has a new prescription for trastuzumab (Herceptin) that a. hot flashes may occur with the medication. b. serum electrolyte levels will be drawn monthly. c. the patient will need frequent eye examinations. d. the patient should call if she notices ankle swelling.
d. the patient should call if she notices ankle swelling. Trastuzumab can lead to ventricular dysfunction, so the patient is taught to self-monitor for symptoms of heart failure. There is no need to monitor serum electrolyte levels. Hot flashes or changes in visual acuity may occur with tamoxifen, but not with trastuzumab.