A patient is brought to the emergency department experiencing a possible stroke. What initial diagnostic test for a stroke , usually performed in the emergency department would the nurse prepare the patient for?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the emergency department setting, the initial diagnostic test typically performed for a patient suspected of having a stroke is a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. This imaging study is crucial in evaluating and diagnosing stroke because it can quickly identify whether the person is having a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or an ischemic stroke (blood clot blocking a blood vessel). The results of the CT scan help guide immediate treatment decisions, such as administering clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes or preparing for surgical interventions for hemorrhagic strokes. Carotid ultrasound studies and transcranial Doppler flow studies may be performed after the initial CT scan to further assess the extent of damage and the underlying cause of the stroke. The 12-lead electrocardiogram is useful in assessing the heart's electrical activity but is not the primary test for diagnosing stroke.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) for anemia management, the parameter that should be monitored closely by the nurse is the hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels indicate the patient's response to ESA therapy and are essential in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment in addressing anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps ensure that the patient's anemia is controlled within the target range to avoid both the risks of under-treatment (resulting in persistent anemia) and over-treatment (increased risk of adverse outcomes such as hypertension, stroke, or cardiovascular events).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a community clinic providing primary care for patients, the most common healthcare professional who manages patient care is a physician. Physicians, also known as doctors, are trained and licensed to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They are responsible for conducting exams, prescribing medications, ordering tests, and developing treatment plans for patients. While other healthcare professionals such as nurses, midwives, and barangay health workers also play important roles in providing care, physicians typically lead the team, make critical decisions, and provide overall management of patient care in a primary care setting like a community clinic.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A woman experiencing irregular and ineffective uterine contractions with prolonged cervical dilation may indicate labor dystocia, also known as abnormal labor progression. To address this issue, the nursing intervention that should be implemented is to encourage the mother to ambulate and change positions frequently. This can help optimize fetal positioning and encourage descent through the birth canal by using gravity to aid in the progression of labor. Changing positions can also potentially improve the quality and effectiveness of contractions, leading to more successful cervical dilation and labor progress. Encouraging ambulation and position changes are non-invasive, patient-centered interventions that can be helpful in managing labor dystocia before considering more invasive interventions like cesarean section.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes. The causative agent of rabies is the rabies virus, specifically from the genus Lyssavirus. Once the virus enters the body, it spreads through the nervous system to the brain, leading to severe neurological symptoms and, if left untreated, is almost always fatal. This is why prompt medical attention and vaccination following an animal bite are crucial in preventing the development of rabies in humans.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a method of providing nutrition to patients who cannot or should not obtain their nutrition through regular oral intake. The primary goals of TPN include promoting weight gain, improving nutritional status, maintaining muscle mass, and establishing nitrogen balance. These goals are crucial to support the overall health and well-being of the patient receiving TPN. Enhancing the healing process is an important aspect of TPN as well, but it is not considered one of the primary goals as weight gain, nutritional status, muscle mass, and nitrogen balance are typically the immediate priorities when administering TPN.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's presentation with renal failure, confusion, seizures, asterixis, and a sweet odor to the breath, along with laboratory findings of severe metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and elevated BUN and creatinine levels, is consistent with uremic encephalopathy. Uremic encephalopathy is a neurological complication of acute or chronic renal failure resulting from the buildup of uremic toxins in the blood, leading to various neurological symptoms such as confusion and seizures. The sweet odor to the breath can be attributed to the presence of urea, a waste product that accumulates in renal failure. Other metabolic abnormalities like hyperkalemia and severe metabolic acidosis are also common in renal failure. It is crucial to promptly recognize and manage uremic encephalopathy to prevent further neurological complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The theory of Nursing as Caring was developed by Dr. Jean Watson, a renowned nurse theorist and professor. Watson's Theory of Human Caring focuses on the importance of the nurse-patient relationship, emphasizing the significance of caring in promoting healing and promoting holistic well-being. This theory emphasizes the humanistic aspects of nursing care and highlights the nurse's role in fostering a caring environment that encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Watson's theory emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and authentic presence in nursing practice, making it a valuable framework for guiding nursing care and promoting healing outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Being assertive means expressing one's thoughts, beliefs, and feelings in a confident and respectful manner while also considering the perspective of others. It does not involve pushing control on others. Assertive individuals do not impose their beliefs on others but express themselves clearly and confidently, respecting the opinions of others. So, standing up for what one believes in can be assertive, but pushing control on others is not a characteristic of assertiveness.