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: A

Rationale: Nicotine, a substance found in cigarettes, is known to have harmful effects on pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to numerous complications, one of which is the increased risk of delivering a low birth weight infant. Low birth weight infants are born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) and are at a higher risk of various health issues, developmental delays, and even mortality. Therefore, Nurse Emma advised the patient to quit smoking to reduce the risk of having a low birth weight infant.

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: D

Rationale: The prioritized nursing intervention in this situation should be assessing for the risk of harm to self or infant. It is crucial to ensure the safety of the postpartum client and her infant as depression can increase the risk of self-harm or harm to the newborn. By assessing for any potential risks, the nurse can take appropriate actions to prevent any harm and ensure the well-being of both the client and the infant. Once the assessment is completed, further interventions like encouraging participation in support groups, referring to a mental health professional, or administering medications can be considered based on the assessment findings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Flexibility is the most important criterion in budgeting because it allows for adjustments to be made as circumstances change. Budgeting is a dynamic process, and having a flexible budget enables organizations or individuals to adapt to unexpected changes in income or expenses. This helps in ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to meet the overall financial goals. Consistency, standardization, and cost-effectiveness are also important considerations in budgeting, but flexibility is key to successfully managing financial resources in a changing environment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant complication after childbirth. The risk factors for PPH that are typically included in the list are uterine atony, overdistended uterus (e.g., multiple gestation or polyhydramnios), and ruptured uterus. Retroversion of the uterus is not a known risk factor for PPH. Retroversion refers to the position of the uterus, where it is tilted back towards the rectum. While retroverted uterus can sometimes lead to other issues or complications during pregnancy, it is not directly associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hip dysplasia is a common complication associated with untreated clubfoot in infants. If clubfoot is not treated promptly and properly, it can lead to abnormal development of the hip joint, resulting in hip dysplasia. This condition involves the abnormal formation of the hip socket, which can cause instability and potential dislocation of the hip joint. Early identification and treatment of clubfoot are important in preventing complications such as hip dysplasia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient describes their pain as a 5 on the pain assessment scale, it indicates severe pain and the need for a strong pain medication. Morphine Sulphate is a potent opioid analgesic that is commonly used to manage severe pain, such as in cases where the pain is rated as 5. Meperidine HCl (Demerol) is another opioid analgesic, but it is not as commonly used due to its side effect profile and potential for toxicity. Fentanyl (Duragesic) is also a potent opioid analgesic that can be used for severe pain, but morphine is often preferred in this situation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a milder pain reliever and is not typically sufficient for pain described at a level of 5 on the pain scale.