A patient admitted to the ICU develops delirium characterized by acute onset confusion and agitation. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's delirium?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The healthcare team should prioritize implementing environmental modifications to promote orientation in a patient with delirium. Delirium is a state of acute confusion and agitation that can be triggered by various factors such as medications, infections, or metabolic disturbances. Environmental modifications involve creating a calm, quiet, and well-lit environment for the patient. Promoting proper orientation through the use of clocks, calendars, and familiar objects can help reduce confusion and improve the patient's understanding of their surroundings. These interventions are non-pharmacological and aim to address the underlying causes of delirium while minimizing the need for additional medications that may have potential side effects. Antipsychotic medications and benzodiazepines should be used judiciously and under close supervision due to the risk of adverse effects in older adults and critically ill patients. Referring the patient to a psychiatrist may be considered if the delirium is complex or if there are underlying psychiatric issues contributing to the presentation.

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: A

Rationale: In the case of a displaced fracture of the distal radius and ulna, the preferred initial treatment is typically closed reduction and splinting. Closed reduction involves manually realigning the fractured bones without the need for surgery. Splinting is then utilized to immobilize the wrist and forearm to allow for proper healing of the fracture. This approach is often effective in realigning the bones and stabilizing the injury, allowing for adequate healing without the need for more invasive interventions like surgery. Following the initial management with closed reduction and splinting, the patient's progress will be monitored, and further interventions may be considered based on the specific characteristics of the fracture and the patient's response to treatment.

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.