The practical nurse (PN) is feeding a 2-month-old male infant with heart failure due to a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Which intervention should the PN implement?

In this scenario, the dentist is increasing the amount of dairy products in her diet with the aim of reducing the risk of gingivitis due to her family history of cancer. However, the practical nurse (PN) should respond by suggesting that an increase in fruits and vegetables would be more beneficial.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help support overall oral health and reduce the risk of gingivitis. They provide a wide range of nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

While dairy products can contribute to overall dental health due to their calcium content, they should not be solely relied upon as the primary means of preventing gingivitis or reducing the risk of cancer. A well- rounded and balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, is essential for optimal oral health.

Options b, c, and d are not directly related to the dentist's concern about gingivitis and the increased consumption of dairy products. Encouraging exercise (option b) is generally beneficial for overall health, but it does not specifically address gingivitis. Reminding the client to ensure dairy products are fortified with vitamin D (option c) is not necessary in this context, as the focus is on preventing gingivitis rather than addressing vitamin D deficiency. Providing written information about the warning signs of cancer (option d) is not directly relevant to the dentist's current situation and concern about gingivitis.

- A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the breast, usually to treat breast cancer. A mastectomy can have a significant impact on a woman's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, as it may affect her body image, self-esteem, sexuality, and identity.
- A mastectomy incision is the wound that results from the surgery, which may vary in size, shape, and location depending on the type and extent of the mastectomy. The incision may be closed with stitches, staples, or glue, and covered with a dressing or bandage.

- The first dressing change is usually done within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, and it involves removing the old dressing, inspecting the incision for any signs of infection or complications, cleaning the wound, applying a new dressing, and educating the client about wound care .
- When the practical nurse (PN) tells the client that her mastectomy incision is healing well, but the client refuses to look at the incision and refuses to talk about it, this may indicate that the client is experiencing denial, fear, anger, grief, or depression due to the loss of her breast. These are normal and common reactions that may occur at different stages of the recovery process.
- The best response by the PN to the client's silence is to acknowledge and respect the client's feelings, provide support and reassurance, and offer assistance when needed. This will help to establish trust and rapport with the client, as well as promote her coping and adjustment.
- Therefore, option A is the best answer, as it shows empathy and respect for the client's feelings, while also informing the client that the PN will be available when she is ready to look or talk about the mastectomy. Option A also implies that the PN will not pressure or force the client to do something that she is not comfortable with.

- Options B, C, and D are incorrect answers, as they do not show empathy or respect for the client's feelings, and they may cause more harm than good.