A patient describes an unreasonable, irrational fear of snakes. The feeling is so persistent that he can no longer even look at pictures of snakes without feeling uncomfortable. He has tried to identify all the places where he might encounter snakes and avoids them. The nurse recognizes that:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: He has a snake phobia. Phobias are irrational and persistent fears of specific objects or situations. In this case, the patient's fear of snakes is unreasonable and causes discomfort even when encountering pictures of snakes. This aligns with the characteristics of a phobia. Choice B is incorrect as hypochondriasis involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance. Choice C is incorrect as obsessions are intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety, while the patient's fear of snakes is more of a specific fear rather than an obsession. Choice D is incorrect as delusions are fixed false beliefs, and the patient's fear of snakes is not based on a false belief but rather an irrational fear.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the small, flat, brown macules described are consistent with lentigines (commonly known as age or liver spots), which are clusters of melanocytes that appear after prolonged sun exposure. This explanation directly addresses the patient's question about the cause of the spots and is supported by the clinical presentation. Choice A is incorrect because decreased hematocrit related to anemia would not cause these specific skin changes. Choice B is incorrect as destruction of melanin due to sun exposure would result in lighter spots, not dark brown macules. Choice D is incorrect because hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction would present differently and not primarily on sun-exposed areas like the arms and hands.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots, improves circulation, aids in lung expansion, and promotes faster recovery. Pain management is important but encouraging mobility is a priority. Administering IV antibiotics is not necessary unless there is an infection present. Monitoring for signs of deep vein thrombosis is important but encouraging ambulation is a proactive approach to prevent its occurrence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pneumonia. The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and cough with thick, green sputum suggest an acute infection in the lungs. Pneumonia is characterized by inflammation and infection of the lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as productive cough, shortness of breath, and sputum production. It is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. A: Asthma typically presents with wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath triggered by certain stimuli, but not usually with thick, green sputum. B: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by cough with clear or slightly discolored sputum, not typically thick and green. D: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the arteries of the lungs, causing sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, but not usually associated with green sputum production.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Increased sputum production is a sign of COPD exacerbation due to worsening inflammation and mucus production. 2. Decreased respiratory rate is not typical in COPD exacerbation as patients often experience increased respiratory effort. 3. Low blood pressure is not a common sign of COPD exacerbation and is more likely related to other conditions or medications. 4. High fever is not a typical sign of COPD exacerbation and could indicate an infection or other underlying issue.