A patient admitted to the ICU develops acute pancreatitis with severe abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's pancreatitis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority intervention in managing acute pancreatitis is to administer intravenous fluids to maintain adequate hydration. Acute pancreatitis can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration due to factors such as vomiting and third-spacing of fluids into the retroperitoneal space. Adequate hydration helps to optimize perfusion to the pancreas, prevent hypovolemic shock, and support overall organ function. This intervention also aids in flushing out inflammatory mediators and preventing complications such as acute kidney injury. Monitoring fluid status and adjusting the rate of intravenous fluid administration based on the patient's response is crucial in the management of acute pancreatitis. While other interventions such as imaging studies, nutritional support, and gastric acid suppression may be important in managing acute pancreatitis, ensuring adequate hydration is the most critical initial step.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms described—tachycardia, weight loss, and tremors—are consistent with hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is an autoimmune disorder in which the thyroid gland is overactive. This condition can lead to an increased production of thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms such as rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), unintended weight loss, and tremors. In contrast, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, which typically presents with symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Thyroid nodules are growths within the thyroid gland that can sometimes be associated with overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid function, but they do not

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Bulimia nervosa is best defined as a pathological disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. It is categorized as an eating disorder rather than a phobic disorder as it involves behaviors related to food consumption and body image, not just fears or phobias. Bulimia is not solely associated with starving oneself, as individuals with bulimia tend to consume large amounts of food during binge episodes. Therefore, the most accurate definition of bulimia is a pathological disorder of binging and vomiting.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In cases of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), a significant factor contributing to the elevated ICP is often the mass effect caused by the hematoma within the brain. Performing an emergent craniotomy for hematoma evacuation is a critical intervention to relieve the pressure within the intracranial space, thereby mitigating the risk of herniation and further neurological damage. While other interventions such as hypertonic saline therapy, head-of-bed elevation, and sedative medications may have supporting roles in managing ICP, none address the primary cause of elevated ICP in cases of acute intracerebral hemorrhage as effectively as hematoma evacuation through craniotomy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: NSAIDs are commonly known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects, including gastritis, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk is due to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, which plays a protective role in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Gastrointestinal bleeding can manifest as symptoms such as black, tarry stools, vomiting blood, or abdominal pain. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to closely monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding while taking NSAIDs to prevent potentially serious complications. Hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyperglycemia are not commonly associated with NSAIDs use, making them less likely adverse effects to monitor for in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Breach of duty is the element of malpractice that occurs when the nurse does not act as a reasonable, prudent person would have acted in a similar circumstance. This means that the nurse failed to uphold the standard of care expected in their practice. In a malpractice case, it must be proven that the nurse breached their duty of care towards the patient by not providing the expected level of skill and care that another reasonable nurse in the same situation would have provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Normal saline is the preferred solution for wound irrigation because it is isotonic and will not damage healthy tissue or delay wound healing. It helps to remove debris and pathogens from the wound, promoting a clean environment for healing. Sterile water can be used if normal saline is not available, but it may cause cellular damage if used in large volumes. Hydrogen peroxide and Betadine solution are not recommended for wound irrigation as they can be cytotoxic to the tissues and interfere with the wound healing process. It's important for the nurse to use evidence-based practice and follow recommended guidelines to promote optimal wound healing outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is the structure responsible for transporting food from the oral cavity to the esophagus during swallowing. When food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the oral cavity, it forms a bolus that is propelled to the pharynx by the tongue. The pharynx serves as a common passageway for both air and food, allowing the bolus to pass into the esophagus while preventing it from entering the trachea. The epiglottis, although important in preventing food from entering the airway, is not directly involved in the transportation of food from the oral cavity to the esophagus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation of recurrent episodes of sudden, severe vertigo lasting hours, along with nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, and unilateral weakness on vestibular function tests, is most consistent with vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis is an inflammatory disorder of the vestibular nerve, typically viral in origin, leading to acute onset of vertigo. Patients often experience severe vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting, along with characteristic nystagmus. Unilateral weakness on vestibular function testing supports the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis, as it indicates dysfunction of one vestibular organ. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) typically presents with brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position without associated unilateral vestibular weakness. Ménière's disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo associated with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness, and