During a home visit, the nurse assesses the skin of a client with eczema who reports that an exacerbation of symptoms has occurred during the last week. Which information is most useful in determining the possible cause of the symptoms?

Choice A reason: Obtaining a prostate-specific antigen blood level test is not a way to reduce risk factors for BPH, but a way to screen for prostate cancer, which is a different condition. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and its level may be elevated in men with prostate cancer or other prostate problems, such as BPH or prostatitis. However, PSA testing is not recommended for all men, and it has some limitations and risks. The nurse should discuss the benefits and harms of PSA testing with the client and help him make an informed decision.

Choice B reason: Taking vitamin supplements is not a proven way to reduce risk factors for BPH, and it may have some adverse effects, such as interactions with medications or increased bleeding. There is no clear evidence that any specific vitamin or mineral can prevent or treat BPH, and some studies have suggested that high doses of certain vitamins, such as vitamin E or folic acid, may increase the risk of prostate cancer. The nurse should advise the client to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and to consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

Choice C reason: Increasing physical activity is a beneficial way to reduce risk factors for BPH, as well as to improve overall health and well-being. Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood flow to the pelvic area, which may prevent or delay the development of BPH. The nurse should encourage the client to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, for at least 150 minutes per week, and to include some strength training and flexibility exercises as well.

Choice D reason: Consuming a high protein diet is not a helpful way to reduce risk factors for BPH, and it may have some negative effects, such as increasing the risk of kidney stones, gout, or osteoporosis. A high protein diet may also increase the intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, which are also risk factors for BPH. The nurse should advise the client to limit the intake of animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and to choose plant-based protein sources, such as beans, nuts, seeds, and soy products, more often.

Choice A reason: Calculating gestation from last menstrual cycle is not a reliable way to determine if the client is pregnant, and it is not an urgent intervention that the nurse should implement immediately. The last menstrual cycle may not reflect the actual date of conception, and it may vary depending on the client's cycle length, ovulation time, and other factors. The nurse should use a more accurate and objective method to confirm or rule out pregnancy, such as a urine or blood test.

Choice B reason: Continuing with surgery as scheduled is not a safe or ethical intervention that the nurse should implement immediately, without verifying the client's pregnancy status. Surgery, especially abdominal surgery, can pose significant risks to the client and the fetus, such as bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, preterm labor, and miscarriage. The nurse should inform the surgical team about the possibility of pregnancy and obtain the client's informed consent before proceeding with surgery.

Choice C reason: Performing a bedside pregnancy test is the most appropriate and timely intervention that the nurse should implement immediately, given the client's situation. A bedside pregnancy test is a simple and quick way to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta, in the client's urine. A positive result indicates that the client is pregnant, and a negative result indicates that the client is not pregnant. The nurse should perform the test as soon as possible and report the result to the surgical team and the client.

Choice D reason: Notifying the surgical team to cancel the surgery is not a necessary or prudent intervention that the nurse should implement immediately, without confirming the client's pregnancy status. Canceling the surgery may delay the treatment of the client's acute appendicitis, which can lead to serious complications, such as perforation, abscess, peritonitis, and sepsis. The nurse should first perform a bedside pregnancy test and then discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with the surgical team and the client.