A nurse is caring for a young adult patient who has testicular cancer and expresses concern about their sexual function following an orchiectomy of the involved testicle.
What responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale

Participating in reminiscence therapy can be beneficial for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This therapy involves discussing past experiences and life events, which can help improve mood, enhance communication, and maintain self-identity.

Choice B rationale

Raising all four side rails on a patient’s bed is not recommended. This can be considered a form of restraint and can increase the risk of injury if the patient attempts to climb over the rails. It’s important to promote a safe environment while respecting the patient’s rights.

Choice C rationale

Alternating the patient’s daily routine can be confusing and disorienting for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining a consistent routine can provide a sense of security and predictability.

Choice D rationale

Keeping the lights dimmed is not specifically beneficial for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Adequate lighting can help prevent falls and other accidents. However, creating a calm and quiet environment can help reduce agitation.

Choice A.

Choice A rationale

A platelet count of 60,000/mm is significantly lower than the normal range of 150,000 to 400,000/mm. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting, and a low count can increase the risk of bleeding, which is a serious concern for a patient scheduled for a liver biopsy. Therefore, the nurse should report this value to the provider.

Choice B rationale

An ammonia level of 55 mcg/dL falls within the normal range of 10 to 80 mcg/dL1. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is converted to urea in the liver for excretion. Normal levels do not typically pose a concern for liver biopsy.

Choice C rationale

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver. An AST level of 34 units/L is at the upper limit of the normal range (0 to 34 units/L)1. While it’s

important to monitor, it does not necessarily need to be reported to the provider before a liver biopsy if there are no other signs of liver disease.

Choice D rationale

A bilirubin level of 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL)1. Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells and is processed by the liver. Normal levels indicate that the liver is functioning properly in this regard.