A client who reports increasing difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and fatigue is diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Because this client has difficulty swallowing, the nurse should assign highest priority to:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintaining a patent airway. This is the highest priority because the client with esophageal cancer is at risk for airway obstruction due to difficulty swallowing. Maintaining a patent airway ensures adequate oxygenation and ventilation, which are vital for the client's survival. Without a clear airway, the client may experience respiratory distress or failure. Body image, preventing injury, and ensuring adequate nutrition are important aspects of care but do not take precedence over maintaining a patent airway in this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Receive vaccines against infection. Following a splenectomy, the patient is at an increased risk of infection due to the absence of the spleen's immune function. Vaccines help boost the body's immunity against specific pathogens, reducing the risk of infections. This is crucial for preventing post-splenectomy infections. Now, let's analyze the other choices: A: Avoid showering for 1 week - There is no evidence to support that avoiding showering would prevent infection after a splenectomy. B: Sleep in a semi-fowler’s position - Positioning does not directly impact infection prevention post-splenectomy. D: Stay on antibiotics for life - Long-term antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not recommended unless specifically indicated for a different reason.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Symptoms of food poisoning typically include salivation, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so statement A is correct. Step 2: Food left unrefrigerated can lead to bacterial growth, making it more dangerous, so statement B is accurate. Step 3: Cooking can kill harmful organisms and stop the production of toxins, supporting statement C. Step 4: All three statements are true and collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of food poisoning, making option D the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sleeps for a period of time. After a seizure, the brain and body experience fatigue and exhaustion. It is common for the patient to feel drowsy and require rest to recover. This post-ictal state is characterized by sleepiness and confusion. The other choices are incorrect because typically, after a seizure, the patient is not most comfortable walking and moving about (A), does not become restless and agitated (C), and may not immediately express thirst and hunger (D). It is important to ensure the patient is in a safe environment and allow them to rest after a seizure episode.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it shows a positive self-perception and self-acceptance. By choosing the dress based on how it complements her eyes, the patient demonstrates a focus on her own preferences and self-image rather than external validation or criticism. This indicates progress towards accepting her body image. A: Choice A indicates concern about others' opinions, which shows a lack of self-assurance and reliance on external validation. B: Choice B reflects negative body image and self-criticism, indicating a lack of acceptance. D: Choice D is focused on a future event, suggesting avoidance or delay in addressing the current body image issues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Washing the hands frequently. This is important for preventing the spread of infection, which is crucial in acute bronchitis. By washing hands frequently, the client can reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others and prevent reinfection. A: Not coughing frequently - While managing cough is important, it is not the most crucial aspect in the teaching plan for acute bronchitis. C: Consuming adequate calories - While nutrition is important for overall health, it is not specifically related to the management of acute bronchitis. D: Encouraging a semi-Fowler’s position - While this position can help with breathing, it is not the most important aspect in the teaching plan for acute bronchitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positive family history. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own intrinsic factor, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of pernicious anemia. Family history is a key risk factor as individuals with a family history of pernicious anemia are more likely to develop the condition. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Infectious agents or toxins do not directly cause pernicious anemia, although they can lead to other types of anemia. C: Acute or chronic blood loss can result in iron-deficiency anemia, not pernicious anemia. D: Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B12 can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, but pernicious anemia specifically involves the body's inability to absorb B12 due to intrinsic factor deficiency, not dietary intake alone.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: positive wound cultures. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that is typically diagnosed through wound cultures. This assessment helps to identify the causative organism and guide appropriate treatment. Choices A and D are not typical findings in osteomyelitis. Choice A describes symptoms of poor circulation which are not specific to osteomyelitis. Choice B, decreased white blood cell count, is typically not seen in the presence of an infection like osteomyelitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because crushing or breaking tablets can alter the medication's effectiveness or cause harm. Step 1: Consult a physician or pharmacist ensures safety and effectiveness. Step 2: This step helps in determining if the medication can be safely altered for easier swallowing. Step 3: Using liquid form (B) may not always be an option. Mixing with food (A) can affect absorption. ROM exercises (D) are unrelated to medication administration.