Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by damage to the myelin sheath, not a build-up of myelin. Step 2: MS affects the nerves, not neurotransmitters related to muscle contraction (eliminates choice B). Step 3: MS does not damage receptor sites on muscles but affects nerve signal transmission (eliminates choice C). Step 4: The correct answer, D, explains that MS damages the insulation on nerve cells (myelin sheath), leading to slower nerve impulses to the muscles, causing weakness and coordination issues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the first phase of the nursing process is assessment, where the nurse gathers comprehensive data about the patient's health status. This step is crucial in identifying problems and setting priorities for care. Choice B comes in the second phase (diagnosis), C in the third phase (planning), and D in the last phase (evaluation). Assessing the patient's condition is the foundation for the rest of the nursing process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Client's spouse. In the case of an unconscious client, the spouse is the primary source of information about the client's medical history, medications, allergies, and recent events. This information is crucial for providing appropriate care. Medical records may not be immediately accessible. Diagnostic tests provide limited historical information. Nursing assessment relies on the client's condition, which may not provide comprehensive information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "Chest and nostrils." This is because observing the movement of the chest and nostrils is the most reliable way to determine if a patient is breathing. The chest rises and falls with each breath, and the nostrils may flare or move as air is inhaled and exhaled. Monitoring these areas provides a direct indication of respiratory effort. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly reflect the act of breathing. Extremities, head, and eyeball movements are not reliable indicators of breathing function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Osteoporosis. Long-term corticosteroid therapy, such as prednisone, is known to cause bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Corticosteroids inhibit bone formation and increase bone resorption, leading to decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, which can manifest as severe back pain. Incorrect choices: A: Hypertension - Corticosteroids can cause fluid retention and sodium retention, leading to hypertension, but it is not typically associated with severe back pain. B: Muscle wasting - Corticosteroids can lead to muscle weakness, but severe back pain is not typically related to muscle wasting. D: Truncal obesity - Corticosteroids can cause weight gain, especially in the trunk area, but this is not directly responsible for severe back pain.