Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A severe headache is a classic sign of a hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding. This bleeding can lead to increased pressure within the skull, resulting in a sudden and severe headache. Other symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke may include nausea, vomiting, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and loss of coordination. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, including a severe headache, as prompt treatment is crucial in minimizing damage and improving outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient's presentation of central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, purple striae, and elevated cortisol levels strongly suggest Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive levels of cortisol, either due to an endogenous (e.g., adrenal tumor) or exogenous (e.g., prolonged steroid use) source. The classic physical features of Cushing's syndrome include central obesity with thin extremities (truncal obesity), moon face (rounding and reddening of the face), buffalo hump (accumulation of fat between the shoulders), and purple striae (stretch marks that are wide and purple in color). In the context of the elevated cortisol levels, these clinical signs are highly indicative of Cushing's syndrome. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus would not typically present with the specific combination of symptoms described.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In end-stage liver disease, pruritus (itching) can be a distressing symptom caused by the accumulation of bile salts in the skin due to impaired liver function. Cholestyramine and other bile acid sequestrants are the primary treatment for managing pruritus in these patients. These medications bind to the bile salts in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and reducing the itching symptoms. Antihistamines may not be as effective for this type of pruritus since it is not histamine-mediated. Topical corticosteroids are generally not recommended for long-term use in liver disease due to the risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects. Avoiding hot showers or baths may provide some temporary relief but is not a definitive treatment. Therefore, prioritizing the prescription of cholestyramine or bile acid sequestrants would be the most appropriate intervention to address the severe pruritus in a patient with end-stage liver disease

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary intervention that should be prioritized for managing a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) associated with a central venous catheter is to remove the central venous catheter. CRBSI is a serious complication that can lead to severe infections and sepsis. The removal of the catheter is crucial to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent further dissemination of the pathogens into the bloodstream. Once the catheter is removed, the healthcare team can consider other interventions such as administering targeted antibiotics based on culture results, performing blood cultures to identify the causative organism, and implementing sterile dressing changes and catheter care protocols. However, immediate removal of the catheter takes precedence in managing CRBSI to prevent worsening of the infection and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A severe headache is a classic sign of a hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding. This bleeding can lead to increased pressure within the skull, resulting in a sudden and severe headache. Other symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke may include nausea, vomiting, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and loss of coordination. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, including a severe headache, as prompt treatment is crucial in minimizing damage and improving outcomes.