After talking w/ the HCP, a male pt continues to have questions about the results of a prostatic surface
antigen (PSA) screening test and asks the nurse
... [Show More] how the PSA levels become elevated. The nurse should
explain which pathophysiological mechanism? - As the prostate gland enlarges, its cells contribute more
PSA in the circulating blood
PSA is a glycoprotein found in prostatic epithelial cells, and elevations are used as a specific tumor
markers. Elevations in PSA are r/t gland volume, ie. benign BPH, prostatitis, and cancer of the prostate,
indicating tumor cell load. PSA levels are also used to monitor response to therapy
A 26 yr old male client w/ Hodgkin's disease is scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. The clinet
expresses concern about the effect of radiation on his ability to have children. What info should the
nurse provide? - Permanent sterility occurs in the male client who receive radiation
Low sperm count and loss of motility are seen in males w/ Hodgkin's disease b/f any therapy.
Radiotherapy often results in permanent aspermia, or sterility
The nurse hears short, high-pitched sounds just b/f the end of inspiration in the right and left lower
lobes when auscultating a client's lungs. How should this finding be recorded? - Crackles in the right and
left lower lobes
Fine crackles - short, high-pitched sounds heard just b/f the end of inspiration that are the result of rapid
equalization of pressure when collaped alveoli or terminal bronchioles suddenly snap open
Wheezing is a continuous high-pitched squeaking or musical sound caused by rapid vibration of
bronchial walls that are 1st evident on expiration and may be audible
A client is admitted to the ER w/ a tension pneumothorax. Which assessment should the nurse expect to
ID? - A deviation of the trachea toward the side opposite of the pneumothorax
Tension pneumothorax is caused by rapid accumulation of air in the pleural space, causing severely high
intrapleural pressure. This results in collapse of the lung, and the mediastinum shifts toward the
unaffected side, which is subsequently compressed [Show Less]