A patient is receiving care to manage symptoms of a terminal illness when the disease no longer responds to treatment. What is this type of care known as?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Palliative care. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, such as a terminal condition. It aims to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Palliative care is not focused on curing the disease but on managing symptoms and enhancing comfort. Option A) Terminal care is not as comprehensive as palliative care. Terminal care often refers to the care provided to patients in the final stages of a terminal illness, whereas palliative care can begin at the time of diagnosis and continue throughout the illness trajectory. Option C) Supportive care is a broader term that includes various types of care aimed at supporting patients through their illness but may not specifically address end-of-life care as comprehensively as palliative care. Option D) Maintenance care typically refers to ongoing care to prevent disease progression or maintain a certain level of health, which is not the focus when a disease is no longer responsive to treatment in a terminal condition. Understanding the distinctions between these types of care is crucial for healthcare providers to deliver appropriate and patient-centered care based on the individual's needs and stage of illness. In the context of medical-surgical nursing, recognizing the principles and practices of palliative care is essential for providing holistic care to patients with terminal illnesses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Self-induced vomiting; she likely has bulimia nervosa. The erosion of tooth enamel and callus formation on the knuckles are classic signs of bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting. Option A is incorrect because the symptoms described are more indicative of an eating disorder rather than a connective tissue disorder. Option C is incorrect as self-mutilation typically presents differently and is not associated with the specific symptoms mentioned. Option D is incorrect as there is no indication of a genetic disorder based on the information provided. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to be able to recognize physical signs and symptoms of eating disorders like bulimia nervosa. Early identification and intervention can significantly impact the outcome for individuals struggling with these disorders. Understanding these manifestations can lead to timely referrals for appropriate treatment and support, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). Signs of clotting and bleeding concurrently are indicative of DIC, a serious condition where widespread activation of clotting factors leads to both excessive clot formation and depletion of clotting factors, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding. Hemophilia (option A) is a genetic disorder characterized by deficiency of clotting factors, leading to prolonged bleeding, but not concurrent clotting. Multiple myeloma (option B) is a cancer of plasma cells that can lead to abnormal bleeding due to impaired platelet function, but it does not typically cause concurrent clotting. Polycythemia vera (option D) is a disorder where there is an overproduction of red blood cells, leading to increased blood viscosity and potential clot formation, but it does not usually present with concurrent bleeding. Understanding the signs and symptoms of DIC is crucial for nurses caring for patients at risk for this condition, such as those with sepsis, trauma, or certain types of cancer. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent life-threatening complications. Nurses must be able to differentiate between various clotting disorders to provide appropriate care and education to patients and their families.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the case of Mary diagnosed with osteomyelitis, the correct answer is A) Debridement and drainage of the area. Osteomyelitis is a serious infection of the bone that requires thorough cleaning and removal of infected tissue (debridement) to facilitate healing. Drainage helps to remove pus and other infectious materials, allowing the body to combat the infection effectively. Option B) Immobilization of the area is not the primary treatment for osteomyelitis. While immobilization may be necessary in some cases to prevent further damage, it does not address the infection itself. Option C) Ice packs alternating with moist heat, applied externally, are not appropriate for treating osteomyelitis. This condition requires internal treatment to reach the infected bone tissue. Option D) Internal fixation device inserted is not the correct treatment for osteomyelitis. This option refers to surgical hardware used to stabilize bones in fractures or orthopedic procedures, not to treat bone infections. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the treatment of osteomyelitis is crucial for nursing practice. Debridement and drainage are essential to remove the source of infection and promote healing in such cases. Nurses must be able to identify appropriate interventions based on the underlying pathology to provide effective care for patients with osteomyelitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct response is option C: "This is pulse oximetry and is used to give us an idea of how much oxygen is in your blood." This answer is correct because a pulse oximeter is a device that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood. This information is crucial in monitoring a patient's respiratory status and overall oxygenation. Option A is incorrect because a clip on the finger is not typically used to monitor cardiac arrhythmias; ECG electrodes are more commonly used for this purpose. Option B is incorrect as a finger clip is not used to measure temperature; thermometers are used for temperature assessment. Option D is also incorrect as a finger clip does not provide information about red blood cell count; this is typically done through a blood test. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the various monitoring devices used in healthcare settings and their specific purposes. Teaching students about pulse oximetry helps them grasp the significance of oxygen saturation levels in patient care and monitoring. It also emphasizes the importance of clear and accurate communication with patients to enhance their understanding and involvement in their own care.