A patient admitted to the ICU develops acute myocardial infarction (MI) with ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG). What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's MI?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with acute myocardial infarction (MI) presenting with ST-segment elevation on ECG, the healthcare team should prioritize performing emergent coronary angiography for revascularization. This intervention, also known as primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), involves opening up the blocked coronary artery responsible for the MI. Timely reperfusion of the affected artery is crucial in reducing myocardial damage and improving outcomes in acute MI patients. PCI is considered the preferred method for revascularization in patients with ST-segment elevation MI, as it has been shown to be more effective and associated with better outcomes compared to fibrinolytic therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Spondylosis is a condition characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, leading to narrowing of the disc space and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs). This degenerative process commonly occurs with aging and can cause symptoms such as neck or back pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Spondylosis is a common finding on imaging studies like X-rays and MRI scans in individuals over the age of 50 and is a natural part of the aging process of the spine.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nurse Adalynn explains to the mothers that early indication for hypovolemia caused by postpartum hemorrhage is an increasing pulse and decreasing blood pressure. Hypovolemia is a condition where there is a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body, often characterized by fluid loss such as through bleeding. As blood volume decreases, the heart rate increases in an attempt to maintain adequate perfusion to organs and tissues. This results in an elevated pulse rate. Additionally, as the blood volume decreases, the blood pressure may drop due to the reduced amount of blood being pumped around the body. Therefore, monitoring for an increasing pulse and decreasing blood pressure is crucial in detecting hypovolemia early, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Participative Action Research (PAR), the core idea is to empower the community by involving them in the research process. By actively engaging community members in all stages of the research, they gain a sense of ownership and are empowered to take action based on the research findings. This approach ensures that the solutions generated are relevant, sustainable, and community-driven. Therefore, participation and engagement of the community is the step that will empower the community in PAR, unlike the other options where the focus is on external individuals or entities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the emergency department setting, the initial diagnostic test typically performed for a patient suspected of having a stroke is a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. This imaging study is crucial in evaluating and diagnosing stroke because it can quickly identify whether the person is having a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or an ischemic stroke (blood clot blocking a blood vessel). The results of the CT scan help guide immediate treatment decisions, such as administering clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes or preparing for surgical interventions for hemorrhagic strokes. Carotid ultrasound studies and transcranial Doppler flow studies may be performed after the initial CT scan to further assess the extent of damage and the underlying cause of the stroke. The 12-lead electrocardiogram is useful in assessing the heart's electrical activity but is not the primary test for diagnosing stroke.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Record-keeping is not an optional task; it is a critical aspect of professional nursing practice. As a nurse, maintaining accurate and timely records is essential for providing quality care, ensuring legal and ethical standards are met, and promoting patient safety. Failure to keep thorough records can lead to serious consequences such as compromising patient care, violating regulations, and even facing legal consequences. Thus, record-keeping should be seen as a mandatory part of the professional duty of nurses rather than an optional task that can be done when circumstances allow.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nurse Cris should employ the communication technique of summarizing to successfully capture the details of the meeting. Summarizing involves condensing the information provided into a concise and organized form, which would help Nurse Cris remember and retain the key points discussed during the meeting. By summarizing the details, Nurse Cris can ensure that no important information is missed and can also confirm understanding by reflecting back the main points discussed. This technique promotes effective communication by enhancing clarity and reinforcing comprehension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient presents with gradual, painless visual field loss in both eyes, particularly in the peripheral vision, which is characteristic of glaucoma. The elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on tonometry further supports a diagnosis of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and typically presents insidiously with a slow progression of vision loss. In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye remains open but becomes less efficient over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. This results in peripheral visual field loss. Closed-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, presents more acutely with sudden eye pain, redness, and blurred vision due to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure from a blocked drainage angle. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy typically do not present with elevated IOP or peripheral visual field loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Teaching the patient diaphragmatic breathing exercises for respiratory support would be the most appropriate intervention to address the symptoms of dyspnea and anxiety in this scenario. Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, focuses on engaging the diaphragm for deep, slow breaths, which can help improve lung expansion and ventilation. This technique can help the patient manage their breathing difficulty and reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving oxygen exchange in the lungs. It empowers the patient with a coping strategy they can use independently to alleviate distressing symptoms at any time. Administering oxygen therapy may be beneficial, but the priority is to teach the patient a technique they can use proactively and routinely. Prescribing benzodiazepines should be considered as an adjunct if non-pharmacological interventions are ineffective in managing anxiety. Referring to a pulmonologist may be necessary for comprehensive evaluation and treatment but may not directly address the immediate symptoms of dyspnea and anxiety.