The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

“This must be very difficult for you. I am here if you want to talk.”.

“Can you tell me why you are so upset?”

“I am sure everything will be alright. There is no need to cry.”.

“You will recover.”.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

When a patient is informed about a serious diagnosis like breast cancer and the need for a mastectomy, it is common for them to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, fear, and anxiety. As a nurse, providing emotional support and creating a safe space for the patient to express their feelings is crucial. Offering to be there for the patient if they want to talk acknowledges their emotional distress and provides comfort.

Choice B rationale

Asking the patient why they are upset may come across as insensitive or dismissive. The patient has just received a life-changing diagnosis, and their emotional reaction is completely normal and expected. It’s important to provide support and empathy rather than questioning their feelings.

Choice C rationale

Telling the patient that everything will be alright and there is no need to cry may seem comforting, but it can actually invalidate the patient’s feelings. It’s important to acknowledge the patient’s emotions and allow them to express their feelings without judgment.

Choice D rationale

Telling the patient that they will recover may be seen as providing false reassurance. While it’s important to maintain hope, it’s also crucial to be honest and realistic with the patient about their diagnosis and treatment.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While it might seem that smaller doses of both drugs could be used when they are prescribed together, this is not the primary reason for using heparin and warfarin together. Both drugs have different mechanisms of action and are used for their unique therapeutic effects.

Choice B rationale

The combination of heparin and warfarin does not facilitate thrombolysis more quickly. Thrombolysis is the process of breaking down clots, and while these medications can prevent the formation of new clots, they do not actively break down existing ones.

Choice C rationale

Heparin and warfarin are often used together in the treatment of thrombophlebitis because they provide different benefits. Heparin acts quickly to prevent further clotting and allows the body to naturally break down existing clots. Warfarin, on the other hand, takes several days to become effective. Therefore, heparin is used to provide immediate anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective.

Choice D rationale

While it’s true that the combination of heparin and warfarin provides immediate anticoagulation, this is primarily due to the action of heparin. Warfarin takes several days to become effective, so it does not contribute to the immediate anticoagulant effect.

A. Omit green, leafy vegetables from the diet. B. Use over-the-counter pain relief medications. C. Obtain laboratory tests as directed. D. Use an electric razor for shaving. E. Obtain a medical alert bracelet.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While it is true that warfarin’s effectiveness can be affected by vitamin K, found in green leafy vegetables, it is not necessary to completely omit these from the diet. Instead, maintaining a consistent intake of vitamin K can help keep INR levels stable.

Choice B rationale

Over-the-counter pain relief medications, especially those that are nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. Therefore, this advice is not correct.

Choice C rationale

Regular laboratory tests, specifically the International Normalized Ratio (INR), are crucial when taking warfarin to monitor its effectiveness and adjust the dosage if necessary.

Choice D rationale

Using an electric razor can help prevent cuts and bleeding, which is important because warfarin is a blood thinner. However, this information is not as critical as obtaining regular laboratory tests.

Choice E rationale

Obtaining a medical alert bracelet can be beneficial for individuals taking warfarin, as it can alert healthcare professionals in an emergency situation about the individual’s use of a blood thinner. However, this information is not as critical as obtaining regular laboratory tests.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is receiving heparin sodium 1000 units per hour via an infusion and warfarin sodium 2.5 mg PO for thrombophlebitis in the left leg. The nurse educates the client that heparin and warfarin are prescribed together because:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

The nurse is providing teaching to a client who is being discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which information should be included in the teaching for this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

Choice E rationale

A client has just returned to the surgical unit following a femoral-popliteal bypass of the right leg. In which position should the nurse place the client?

A client diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease has the nursing problem of Impaired Tissue Integrity related to ischemic tissue of the legs and feet. What is an expected outcome to include in the care plan?

A nurse is educating a patient with diabetes mellitus about the chronic complications associated with the disease. What information should be included in the teaching?

A patient’s insulin dosage is 16 units of regular insulin in the morning. When should the patient expect the insulin peak?

The nurse explains to a patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus that the major benefit of frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose is that:

The nurse is aware that a client taking an antibiotic that causes diarrhea should be taught about:

A patient is prescribed metronidazole orally. What statement should be included in the discharge teaching?

The nurse is providing care for a client diagnosed with post-thrombotic syndrome who has a venous stasis ulcer. Which instructions should be given prior to discharge? (Select all that apply)

The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying.
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?