The Nurse’s Role in Preventing Illness

Every question here, with the answer

1. A young adult patient reports staying up late on a phone, feeling exhausted at work, and having trouble concentrating. Which sleep hygiene teaching should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

   1. Manage caffeine intake.
   2. Get exposure to sunlight.
   3. Keep a consistent bedtime.
   4. Avoid all physical activity during the day.
   5. Limit screen use within one hour of sleep.

   Answer: Manage caffeine intake., Get exposure to sunlight., Keep a consistent bedtime., Limit screen use within one hour of sleep.

   The section identifies several simple sleep hygiene measures nurses can teach, including limiting screens before sleep, keeping a consistent bedtime, sunlight exposure, and managing caffeine. Avoiding all physical activity is not supported; the section emphasizes physical movement as part of health promotion.

2. A 42-year-old person assigned female at birth is being seen for an unrelated health concern and says breast cancer screening is embarrassing and not something their family encourages. What is the nurse’s best response?

   1. Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude and provide timely education about preventive breast cancer screening.
   2. Tell the patient that refusing screening is unsafe and document nonadherence.
   3. Defer education because preventive screening should only be discussed during wellness visits.
   4. Explain that cultural beliefs should not affect healthcare decisions.

   Answer: Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude and provide timely education about preventive breast cancer screening.

   The section emphasizes accepting, nonjudgmental nursing care and timely education about preventive screening, especially for people who may not actively seek preventive care. The other responses are judgmental, delay needed education, or dismiss the patient’s cultural context.

3. A middle-aged adult wants to become more active but cannot afford a gym membership. Which recommendation best reflects the nurse’s role in health promotion?

   1. Encourage the patient to wait until a gym membership is possible.
   2. Recommend a movement plan based on the patient’s preferences, abilities, and schedule.
   3. Tell the patient that exercise plans should be the same for all adults.
   4. Advise only vigorous exercise because moderate activity is not effective.

   Answer: Recommend a movement plan based on the patient’s preferences, abilities, and schedule.

   The section states that exercise plans should be individualized and that gym membership is only one option. The goal is a sustainable movement plan that supports health promotion and strength building.

4. A patient recently diagnosed with a chronic illness says, “I feel overwhelmed and do not know how to cope.” Which active coping strategies can the nurse encourage? Select all that apply.

   1. Active lifestyle change planning
   2. Calming techniques
   3. Support groups
   4. Withdrawing from the situation indefinitely
   5. Problem-solving

   Answer: Active lifestyle change planning, Calming techniques, Support groups, Problem-solving

   The section lists support groups, calming techniques, problem-solving, and active lifestyle change planning as active coping strategies. Withdrawing from stressors is described as a passive coping strategy, not an active one.

5. A patient with depression has completed a mental health questionnaire, and the provider notes the symptoms have been resistant to usual primary care treatment. Which referral should the nurse anticipate?

   1. No referral because depression is always managed only in primary care
   2. Referral to a mental health specialist
   3. Referral to orthopedics
   4. Referral only to a nutritionist

   Answer: Referral to a mental health specialist

   The section explains that depression and anxiety may be treated in primary care, but treatment-resistant disorders may require behavioral or mental health specialty care. Nutrition and orthopedics do not match the stated need, and the section does not say depression is always managed only in primary care.

6. A nurse is helping coordinate a referral for a patient with new-onset diabetes who is struggling with disease management. Which nursing actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.

   1. Make sure the patient understands the reason for the referral and what to expect.
   2. Ensure proper screening and documentation are completed.
   3. Suggest a referral to a diabetes educator.
   4. Communicate with the healthcare provider, diabetes educator, and patient during treatment changes and follow-up.
   5. Keep the patient out of referral discussions to avoid confusion.

   Answer: Make sure the patient understands the reason for the referral and what to expect., Ensure proper screening and documentation are completed., Suggest a referral to a diabetes educator., Communicate with the healthcare provider, diabetes educator, and patient during treatment changes and follow-up.

   The section supports referral to a diabetes educator when patients struggle with diabetes management and emphasizes documentation, communication, and patient understanding during referrals. Excluding the patient conflicts with the section’s emphasis on keeping the patient at the center of the team.