A patient in the ICU develops acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to sepsis. 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 sepsis in the ICU, the healthcare team should prioritize initiating continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) for renal replacement therapy. CVVH is a form of continuous renal replacement therapy that helps support renal function by removing waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood while providing hemodynamic stability. This intervention is crucial in managing fluid overload, electrolyte disturbances, and uremia associated with AKI in critically ill patients. It can also help improve overall outcomes and prevent further complications related to renal dysfunction in this setting. Administering diuretics, implementing fluid restriction, or performing a renal biopsy may not directly address the acute renal failure and may not provide the necessary renal support needed in this urgent situation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is experiencing severe hypoxemia refractory to conventional oxygen therapy, indicating a need for advanced respiratory support. When a patient with ARDS fails to respond to conservative management, including mechanical ventilation strategies, prone positioning, and recruitment maneuvers, the next step may involve extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO provides a way to bypass the lungs and oxygenate the blood directly, allowing for enhanced gas exchange and support for severely compromised respiratory function. Therefore, in this critical situation, prioritizing the recommendation for ECMO can offer the patient the best chance of improving oxygenation and survival.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Osteoporosis is a common complication associated with long-term use of corticosteroids in orthopedic patients. Corticosteroids can lead to bone loss by inhibiting bone formation and promoting bone resorption, resulting in decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. Therefore, patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, especially in high doses, should be monitored closely for osteoporosis and receive appropriate preventive measures such as calcium, vitamin D supplementation, and bisphosphonates to mitigate the risk of bone thinning and fractures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, also known as osteonecrosis, is a common complication associated with hip fractures in elderly patients. It occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the femoral head following the fracture, leading to bone tissue death. This can result in pain, limitation of motion, and potentially the collapse of the femoral head, causing further complications. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in order to prevent further degeneration of the hip joint. Other complications such as compartment syndrome, dislocation of the hip prosthesis, and Volkmann's contracture are not typically associated with hip fractures in elderly patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of knee pain and swelling following a fall onto a flexed knee, along with a palpable effusion and tenderness along the joint line, is highly suggestive of a meniscus injury. The McMurray's test specifically evaluates for meniscal tears. In this case, the presence of pain and clicking with passive knee flexion and internal rotation indicates a medial meniscus tear as the most likely diagnosis. Patellar tendinitis usually presents with anterior knee pain that is worsened by activities such as jumping or running. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain typically presents with lateral knee pain and instability. Quadriceps tendon rupture would present with significant weakness and inability to fully extend the knee, which is not described in this scenario.