Author Question: The nurse is providing emotional support to the spouse of a patient recently diagnosed with terminal ... (Read 29 times)

Pineapplelove6 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is providing emotional support to the spouse of a patient recently diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer. The spouse expresses anger and confusion and questions why the patient did not seek help sooner. Which

response by the nurse would be the most appropriate at this time?
1. Unfortunately, the early symptoms are often vague and often not recognized as something serious.
2. Your spouse was probably afraid of getting bad news.
3. You will never know.
4. It is not important to know that right now.

Question 2

Four weeks post gastric resection surgery, a patient is experiencing cramping, nausea, and diarrhea within 10 minutes after eating. Suspecting that the patient may have dumping syndrome, what should the nurse suggest?

Select all that apply.
1. Increase protein in the diet.
2. Lie down for 30 minutes immediately after eating.
3. Eat frequent, small meals.
4. Reduce the amount of carbohydrates eaten daily.
5. Drink a glass of water prior to each meal.

shaikhs · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The manifestations of esophageal cancer are often vague. Difficulty swallowing does not manifest until approximately 60 of the esophagus is affected. By this time, the condition is often terminal. It is inappropriate for the nurse to make assumptions about the motivations and feelings of an individual with cancer or to decide what is important for the patient's spouse to know at this time. It is presumptuous for the nurse to suggest the patient's spouse will never know.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4
Increasing the amount of protein and fat in the diet, lying down for 30 to 60 minutes after eating, and reducing carbohydrate consumption will help slow the transit time through the digestive tract. The symptoms can be managed by eating small, more frequent meals. Drinking before eating might intensify the problem.