A patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) develops acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) characterized by hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's condition?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury that is characterized by hypoxemia, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. When managing a patient with ARDS in the ICU, the priority intervention is to provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is often necessary to support gas exchange in these patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The healthcare team should prioritize performing endoscopic hemostasis with mechanical or thermal techniques in a patient with acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring urgent intervention. This approach involves directly visualizing the bleeding site and applying methods such as clipping, coagulation, or band ligation to stop the bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis is considered the gold standard for managing acute GIB as it allows for both diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in real-time, offering a targeted and effective way to control bleeding and prevent recurrent episodes. Administering proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may help in reducing gastric acid secretion and promoting ulcer healing but is not the primary intervention for actively bleeding patients. Implementing strict bed rest may be necessary in some cases to minimize physical exertion, but it is not the primary intervention to manage acute GIB. Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma to correct coagulopathy may be necessary if

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: X-ray is the most commonly used imaging modality to diagnose fractures of the long bones, such as the femur or tibia. X-rays are readily available, fast, cost-effective, and provide detailed images of the bone structures. Fractures appear as breaks or discontinuities in the bone on X-ray images, making it an excellent tool for diagnosing bone fractures. In many cases, X-rays are sufficient to confirm the presence, location, and type of fracture, allowing for appropriate treatment planning. Other imaging modalities like MRI and CT scans may be used for further evaluation in complex cases, but X-ray remains the initial and primary choice for diagnosing long bone fractures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A discectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to decompress the nerve root by removing a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. In cases of herniated discs causing radicular symptoms (such as pain radiating down the leg), a discectomy can help alleviate the compression on the nerve, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient's condition. This procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is herniated or bulging out to relieve pressure on the nerve root, allowing for improved function and reduced pain. Spinal fusion, laminectomy, and foraminotomy are other surgical procedures that are not typically performed for the direct decompression of the nerve root in cases of herniated discs at a specific level like the L5-S1 level.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dupuytren's contracture is a condition characterized by the thickening and tightening of the tissue beneath the skin of the hand, leading to the fingers being pulled into a bent position. One of the common complications associated with Dupuytren's contracture is the development of a Swan-neck deformity. This deformity is characterized by hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint and flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint. It is important to recognize and address complications like Swan-neck deformity in individuals with Dupuytren's contracture to prevent further functional impairment and disability.