A nurse is discussing issues regarding controlled substances and reporting with a newly licensed nurse in an inpatient facility. Which of the following statements made by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. "This surgery can cause an increase in the amount of semen.":A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) often results in retrograde ejaculation, meaning semen may flow backward into the bladder. The volume of visible semen typically decreases, not increases, due to this common complication.

B. "I will talk to my partner about other ways of expressing intimacy.":This statement reflects healthy psychological adjustment and understanding of potential changes in sexual function following TURP. It shows emotional readiness to adapt to changes and maintain intimacy in ways beyond penetrative sex, which supports recovery and relationship stability.

C. “I will not be able to have sexual intercourse after this surgery.":TURP does not prevent sexual intercourse. While temporary issues like erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation may occur, most clients can resume sexual activity after recovery. This belief represents a misunderstanding of surgical outcomes.

D. “This surgery will prevent me from being able to have an erection.": Although some men may experience temporary erectile dysfunction postoperatively, TURP typically does not cause permanent loss of erectile function. Misconceptions about impotence should be addressed through accurate education.

Rationale:

A. Search for the medication on the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus website: This action allows the nurse to independently access a reliable, evidence-based source to gather essential information about the medication, including its purpose, dosage, side effects, and precautions. It promotes safe and informed medication administration.

B. Ask the charge nurse to explain the purpose of the medication: While consulting experienced colleagues is acceptable, relying solely on another person without verifying the medication through a formal, credible source may lead to misinformation. Independent verification is a safer and more accountable approach.

C. Ask the client to state the indication for the medication: Clients may not always have accurate knowledge of their medications or may misunderstand the reason for their use. Relying on client input does not ensure medication safety and is not a substitute for clinical validation.

D. Allow the client to self-administer the prepared medication: Allowing a client to self-administer a medication that the nurse does not understand is unsafe and violates standards of medication administration. Nurses are responsible for knowing what they administer and ensuring it is appropriate for the client's condition.