A patient admitted to the ICU develops septic shock with refractory hypotension despite fluid resuscitation. Which intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to improve the patient's hemodynamic status?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with septic shock and refractory hypotension despite fluid resuscitation, the healthcare team should prioritize administering vasopressor medications to increase systemic vascular resistance. Vasopressors such as norepinephrine or vasopressin can be used to support blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs by constricting blood vessels and improving blood flow. By increasing systemic vascular resistance, vasopressors help to counteract the excessive vasodilation seen in septic shock and improve hemodynamic stability. It is crucial to address hypotension promptly in septic shock to prevent organ dysfunction and failure. Other interventions, such as fluid removal through continuous renal replacement therapy, assessing cardiac function with echocardiogram, or optimizing oxygen delivery through a transfusion of packed red blood cells, may be considered based on specific patient factors but do not address the primary issue of inadequate perf

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Prior to a gastric lavage procedure, it is essential for the nurse to ensure the correct size of the nasogastric tube is selected. The appropriate size of the tube will allow for effective removal of the ingested poisonous substance during the procedure. Proper sizing also helps in preventing complications such as injury to the gastrointestinal tract or inadequate removal of the substance. This step is crucial for the safe and successful completion of gastric lavage. Reminding parents to be careful, obtaining informed consent immediately, or accusing them of negligence are not immediate responsibilities of the nurse in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is "Because of the normal pooling of blood in the vagina when the woman lies down to rest or sleep." This phenomenon occurs due to gravity when a woman lies down, and the blood tends to pool at the top of the vagina. When she first arises from bed, the pooled blood is released, resulting in a gush of blood. This is a normal physiological process and not typically a cause for concern.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this situation is to assess the client's blood pressure and other vital signs. The client's symptoms of severe headache, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain could be indicative of preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. Checking the blood pressure and other vital signs will help determine if the client's symptoms are related to abnormal blood pressure levels, which is critical in identifying and managing hypertensive disorders in postpartum clients. Once the assessment is completed, appropriate medical interventions can be initiated promptly if necessary.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a pregnant woman presenting with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 8 weeks gestation with a closed cervix, the most likely cause of these symptoms is a threatened abortion. A threatened abortion is a common complication of early pregnancy characterized by vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain without cervical dilation. The cervix remains closed, indicating that the pregnancy is still intact but at risk of potential miscarriage. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester, whereas ectopic pregnancy usually presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in the setting of a closed cervix but is less likely at 8 weeks gestation. Gestational trophoblastic disease is a rare cause of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy and typically presents in the first trimester with signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, uterine enlargement, and elevated β-hCG levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Checking the humidifier's water regularly is the priority precautionary measure that should be done by the nurse during oxygen therapy. Maintaining adequate water in the humidifier ensures proper humidification of the oxygen delivered to the patient, helping prevent mucous membrane dryness and irritation. Dry mucous membranes can lead to discomfort, increased risk of infection, and potential damage to the respiratory system. Therefore, ensuring the humidifier's water level is appropriate is crucial for the safety and well-being of the patient receiving oxygen therapy. Limiting visitors, attaching "No Smoking" signage, and connecting the bait to the oxygen tank are important precautions as well, but checking the humidifier's water is the priority measure in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Battery occurs when there is an intentional touching of another person without their consent. In this case, the nurse began cardiopulintary resuscitation on a client who had requested a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order, which means the client did not consent to the resuscitation. This action can be considered as battery because the client's wishes were not respected, and the nurse proceeded with a medical intervention against those wishes, leading to harm and potential legal consequences. This is different from assault, which involves a threat of force, and from defamation and fraud, which are not applicable to this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the action that violates a psychiatric patient's rights is option C, where staff members confiscated written letters done by patients addressed to the local newspaper. Patients have the right to communicate freely and express their thoughts and feelings through various means, such as letter-writing. Confiscating these letters is a violation of their rights to free expression and communication. It is essential to respect and uphold the rights of psychiatric patients, including their right to communicate with others.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ménière's disease is characterized by the triad of symptoms including progressive sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The audiometric testing in Ménière's disease often shows a "carrot-shaped" configuration, which refers to low-frequency hearing loss initially and eventually spreading to involve higher frequencies. This distinctive pattern of hearing loss helps differentiate Ménière's disease from other causes like Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) or Noise-induced hearing loss. Acoustic neuroma can present with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss but typically does not exhibit the specific "carrot-shaped" configuration seen in Ménière's disease.