The nurse is caring for a patient who is one day post-mastectomy and notes that she is sobbing and gasping for breath. What should the nurse do first?
Notify the registered nurse.
Raise the head of the bed.
Sit with her and listen to her concerns.
Ask the patient what is wrong.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Notifying the registered nurse is important but should come after initially assessing the patient's immediate needs.
Choice B reason: Raising the head of the bed may help with breathing but does not address the cause of the patient's distress.
Choice C reason: Sitting with her and listening to her concerns is supportive but should follow an initial assessment of why she is sobbing and gasping for breath.
Choice D reason: Asking the patient what is wrong is the first step in assessing the situation and providing appropriate care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects a negative emotion from its original source to a less threatening recipient, which is what Mr. Thomas is doing.
Choice B reason: Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others, which is not what Mr. Thomas is doing.
Choice C reason: Regression is a return to earlier stages of development when faced with stress, which does not describe Mr. Thomas's behavior.
Choice D reason: Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to what one truly feels, which is not indicated in this scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: While injury and age can be risk factors, they are not the greatest contributors to RA, which is an autoimmune disease.
Choice B reason: Heat therapy can help relieve pain in some cases, but it is not always the best response for acutely inflamed joints; cold therapy is often recommended to reduce inflammation.
Choice C reason: RA can affect multiple body systems beyond the joints, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, so it is essential to monitor all body systems.
Choice D reason: Exercise is actually beneficial for patients with RA to maintain joint function and muscle strength; rest is important, but should be balanced with physical activity.

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