A patient appears confused and disoriented during a consultation. What is the nurse's priority?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority when a patient appears confused and disoriented during a consultation is to provide clear and simple explanations and assess for any underlying causes of confusion. It is essential to ensure that the patient understands the information being provided and to address any potential reasons for the confusion, such as medication side effects, medical conditions, or cognitive impairment. Ignoring the patient's confusion or assuming they cannot understand can lead to misunderstandings, errors in care, and ultimately jeopardize the patient's well-being. It is crucial to approach the situation with empathy, patience, and a focus on ensuring effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In clients with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), death typically occurs within two to three years of diagnosis. This is often due to progressive weakness and degeneration of the muscles involved in breathing, leading to respiratory failure. As the disease advances, the muscles responsible for breathing become increasingly compromised, eventually resulting in the inability to breathe effectively without mechanical ventilation support. Other complications such as aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition may also contribute to the decline in health. Therefore, respiratory failure is the primary cause of death in clients with ALS.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: ** In a patient with ARDS, the priority intervention to manage respiratory failure is to initiate lung-protective mechanical ventilation with low tidal volume. ARDS is characterized by widespread inflammation and injury to the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and severe hypoxemia. Lung-protective ventilation strategies aim to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury by using lower tidal volumes (around 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) to reduce barotrauma and volutrauma.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The large intestine, also known as the colon, is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food residue that passes through the digestive system after it has been processed in the small intestine. As the waste material moves through the colon, water is absorbed, and the remaining material forms feces. The feces are then stored until they are eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus. The liver, stomach, and pancreas play important roles in digestion and nutrient absorption, but the specific function of absorbing water and forming feces is carried out by the large intestine.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Respiratory depression resulting from drug overdose typically leads to a decrease in the respiratory rate, known as bradypnea. This is characterized by abnormally slow breathing, which can be dangerous as it may lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Bradypnea indicates a slowing down of the respiratory drive, in contrast to hyperventilation, biot's respiration, or tachypnea. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor a patient experiencing respiratory depression for signs of bradypnea and intervene promptly to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acute narrow-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires timely intervention to reduce intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a medication commonly used to treat this condition as it works as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye. By reducing the production of aqueous humor, acetazolamide helps decrease intraocular pressure rapidly, which is crucial in managing acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Other options listed, such as Furosemide (Lasix), Atropine, and Urokinase (Abbokinase), are not typically used in the treatment of acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis is a common cause of secondary osteoporosis. Chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis can lead to bone loss due to increased osteoclast activity and decreased bone formation. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis, resulting in decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. Monitoring and managing bone health is an important aspect of care for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis to help prevent osteoporosis-related complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by multiple, hyperpigmented, velvety plaques typically seen in flexural areas such as the axillae, neck, and groin. These lesions are often associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The appearance of acanthosis nigricans is distinct from other skin conditions such as seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, and epidermal nevus. Acanthosis nigricans is commonly seen in conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome due to the insulin resistance that leads to the overgrowth of keratinocytes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient is likely infected with Cryptosporidium parvum based on the symptoms of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea after consuming contaminated water. Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that can be transmitted through contaminated water sources, such as streams. Laboratory tests revealing oocysts in the stool sample further support the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium infection, as these oocysts are characteristic of this parasite. Giardia lamblia is another common protozoan parasite that can cause similar symptoms but is usually associated with more foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea. Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery, which presents with bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Cyclospora cayetanensis also causes watery diarrhea, but it is usually associated with foodborne outbreaks rather than waterborne transmission.