A patient admitted to the ICU develops acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure (CHF) with pulmonary edema and respiratory distress. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's exacerbation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is presenting with acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure (CHF) complicated by pulmonary edema and respiratory distress. The priority intervention for managing this exacerbation is to initiate positive pressure ventilation for respiratory support. Positive pressure ventilation, such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or invasive mechanical ventilation, can help improve oxygenation and decrease the work of breathing for the patient. By providing adequate respiratory support, ventilation can reduce the negative effects of pulmonary edema and respiratory distress due to CHF exacerbation. Administering intravenous loop diuretics (Choice A) might be necessary to address fluid overload, but it is not the initial priority as ensuring adequate ventilation is crucial. Emergent pericardiocentesis (Choice C) is not indicated in this scenario as there is no mention of cardiac tamponade. Inotropic medications (Choice D) may be considered in managing acute exacerbation of CHF but

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Following surgical fixation of a tibial shaft fracture with an intramedullary nail, healthcare providers should monitor for the development of fat embolism syndrome (FES) in the immediate postoperative period. FES is a serious complication that occurs when fat droplets from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and cause respiratory and neurological symptoms. Clinical manifestations of FES may include dyspnea, tachypnea, petechial rash, altered mental status, and hypoxemia. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential in managing fat embolism syndrome to prevent serious complications such as respiratory failure and neurological deficits. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of FES is crucial in the postoperative care of patients undergoing surgical fixation of long bone fractures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to osteoporosis, which is a common complication. Osteoporosis causes weakening of the bones, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones such as the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporotic fractures are a significant concern in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, highlighting the importance of monitoring bone health and considering preventive measures such as calcium, Vitamin D supplementation, and regular bone density testing. While osteonecrosis of the femoral head and avascular necrosis of the talus can also occur as complications of corticosteroid use, osteoporotic fractures are more commonly associated with this type of therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Septic arthritis, on the other hand, is not directly related to corticosteroid use but can occur due to other factors such as joint infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to urinary retention, which is a common complication associated with this condition. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. This obstruction can result in difficulty starting to urinate, weak urine flow, frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and eventually urinary retention. If left untreated, urinary retention can lead to serious complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder damage, kidney damage, and even kidney stones. Therefore, urinary retention is an important complication to be aware of in patients with BPH.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis in this scenario is epididymitis. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Common symptoms include scrotal pain, swelling, erythema (redness), and a tender, fluctuant mass in the scrotum due to an abscess. Risk factors for epididymitis include urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia), and recent urological procedures. It is important to differentiate epididymitis from testicular torsion, which would present with sudden, severe testicular pain, absent cremasteric reflex, and a high-riding testicle. Testicular cancer typically presents as a painless mass or swelling in the scrotum, and hydrocele presents as painless scrotal swelling due to a collection of fluid