A patient in the ICU develops acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to hypovolemic shock. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's renal function?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to hypovolemic shock, the priority intervention to manage the patient's renal function is to administer intravenous fluids to restore circulating volume. Hypovolemic shock leads to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in hypoperfusion and ischemic damage to the renal tubules. Prompt correction of hypovolemia with intravenous fluids helps improve renal perfusion and function by increasing blood flow to the kidneys. Adequate fluid resuscitation can potentially prevent further kidney damage and support kidney function recovery. It is crucial to address the underlying cause of AKI (hypovolemia in this case) to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. Initiating renal replacement therapy or recommending nephrotoxic medications would not be the initial interventions for managing AKI in this scenario.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to urinary retention, which is a common complication associated with this condition. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. This obstruction can result in difficulty starting to urinate, weak urine flow, frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and eventually urinary retention. If left untreated, urinary retention can lead to serious complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder damage, kidney damage, and even kidney stones. Therefore, urinary retention is an important complication to be aware of in patients with BPH.