A brain abscess is a collection of pus within the substance of the brain and is caused by:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a brain abscess can be caused by direct invasion of the brain, spread of infection by other organs, and spread of infection from nearby sites. Direct invasion can occur from trauma or surgery, while infections from other organs like the lungs or heart can travel through the bloodstream to the brain. Infections from nearby sites such as the sinuses or ears can also spread to the brain. Therefore, all of these mechanisms can lead to the formation of a brain abscess. Choices A, B, and C alone do not encompass all the possible causes of a brain abscess, making D the correct comprehensive answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial action for the nurse is to ask the patient about the facial grimacing with movement (Choice C). This is important because the patient may not accurately express their pain level verbally. By addressing the discrepancy between the patient's verbal report and non-verbal cues, the nurse can gather more information to assess the patient's pain accurately. By directly communicating with the patient, the nurse can ensure that the appropriate interventions are provided. Choice A is incorrect because it disregards the need to address the patient's pain assessment. Choice B assumes the patient's preference without further clarification. Choice D jumps to administering pain medication without fully assessing the situation, which could lead to inappropriate treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A complete thyroidectomy also. In the case of a cold nodule, which indicates potential malignancy, a total thyroidectomy is warranted to remove the entire thyroid gland to prevent the spread of cancer. A partial thyroidectomy, as in choices B and C, would not be sufficient in addressing malignancy. Administering thyroid medication, as in choice D, would not be appropriate for treating malignancy. Therefore, the correct approach is to perform a total thyroidectomy to ensure complete removal of the affected gland and to address both hyperthyroidism and potential malignancy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the drug should be resumed when the WBC count falls to 5,000mm3 to ensure the client's safety and efficacy of treatment. This criterion indicates that the client's immune system has recovered sufficiently to tolerate the drug. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly correlate with the client's immune system recovery, which is crucial for drug tolerance. Choice B focuses on the rise in WBC count, not the fall to a specific level. Choice C is related to a cosmetic side effect, not clinical readiness. Choice D is unrelated to immune system recovery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased resistance to infection. Lymphocytes are a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for fighting off infections. A decrease in the number of lymphocytes with age leads to a weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections. - Choice B: Cognitive problems, is not directly related to lymphocyte levels. - Choice C: Urinary incontinence, is not a typical effect of decreased lymphocytes. - Choice D: Decrease in various blood components, is too broad and not specific to the role of lymphocytes in immunity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because after a total thyroidectomy, the client will no longer produce thyroid hormones, necessitating lifelong replacement therapy. This statement shows an understanding of the need for ongoing medication to maintain thyroid function. Choice B is incorrect as the client had a total thyroidectomy, so there is no risk of hyperthyroidism recurrence. Choice C is incorrect as the client will need ongoing care and monitoring for thyroid function. Choice D is incorrect as increasing caloric intake is not a necessary long-term care measure after a thyroidectomy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fever. Following splenectomy, patients are at risk for OPSI due to impaired immune response. Fever is a key symptom of infection and should alert the nurse to this possibility. Bruising around the operative site (A) is expected post-surgery. Pain (B) is common after surgery and may not specifically indicate OPSI. Irritability (C) is a vague symptom and not specific to OPSI. In summary, fever is the most concerning symptom as it can indicate an underlying infection in a postsplenectomy patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Reading labels carefully on vials containing flush solutions for locks is crucial to ensure the correct solution is being used. Step 2: Potassium chloride should not be used to flush locks as it can be fatal if administered incorrectly. Step 3: By carefully reading labels, the nurse can verify that the correct solution is being used, thus minimizing the risk of using potassium chloride. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect as using a dilute form of potassium chloride does not address the issue of incorrect administration. - Choice B is incorrect as warming the solution does not prevent the risk associated with using potassium chloride. - Choice D is incorrect as replacing locks does not address the root cause of the issue, which is improper administration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: prothrombin time. In liver cirrhosis, the liver's ability to produce clotting factors is impaired, leading to prolonged prothrombin time. This indicates an increased risk of bleeding. Choice A is incorrect as carbon dioxide levels are not typically affected by liver cirrhosis. Choice C, gastric pH, is unrelated to liver function. Choice D, white blood cell count, is not directly affected by liver cirrhosis. Therefore, the alteration in prothrombin time is the most relevant laboratory value to monitor in this case.