A patient presents with a painful, vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution on the left thorax. The patient reports a history of chickenpox during childhood. Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for this presentation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of a painful, vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution on the left thorax, specifically in a patient with a history of chickenpox, is most suggestive of herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate years later to cause shingles. The rash in herpes zoster typically progresses through different stages, including red patches leading to fluid-filled blisters. The characteristic rash typically appears unilaterally and is usually preceded by pain, burning, or tingling in the affected area. Unlike herpes simplex virus infection, which can cause similar lesions but is not typically localized to a specific dermatome, herpes zoster presents as a distinct unilateral cluster of vesicles along

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by a reduction in the number of all three blood cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The patient's presentation of bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, pancytopenia (decreased counts of all blood cell types), hypocellular bone marrow (reduced cellularity in the bone marrow), and absence of reticulocytes is indicative of aplastic anemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The cardiovascular disorder most likely responsible for the symptoms described is a pericardial effusion. A pericardial effusion is an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial space surrounding the heart. When a large pericardial effusion is present, it can lead to compression of the heart chambers, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this scenario is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. The client's presentation of calf pain, swelling, and warmth could be indicative of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the healthcare provider. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and if left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism. Therefore, timely communication with the healthcare provider is critical to ensure that the client receives the appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment to address the potential DVT. Applying warm compresses, encouraging ambulation, or administering NSAIDs would not be the first-line interventions for a suspected DVT and may even worsen the condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize positioning the patient in a left lateral decubitus position during gastric lavage to ensure procedural effectiveness. This position helps to promote optimal drainage of fluid and gastric contents. Placing the patient in a left lateral position allows gravity to assist in the passage of fluid and prevents the risk of aspiration. It also helps to minimize the risk of complications such as reflux of lavage fluid into the respiratory tract. Proper positioning is essential in enhancing the success of the gastric lavage procedure and promoting patient safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In qualitative research, a focus group discussion is a technique where a group of participants are brought together to discuss specific topics in depth. In this case, Nurse Carmi's plan to gather 6 participants who are victims of domestic violence aligns well with the focus group discussion technique. By involving multiple participants who have experienced domestic violence, she can facilitate a dynamic conversation to gather rich data and insights. This approach allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives, experiences, and opinions within the group setting, providing a deeper understanding of the issue at hand. Additionally, focus group discussions can be more cost-effective and efficient than conducting individual interviews when working with a small group of participants. Therefore, conducting a focus group discussion would be an appropriate qualitative research technique for Nurse Carmi's plan to gather data from victims of domestic violence for her questionnaires.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer for a patient with COPD is to inhale slowly and deeply while pressing the canister. This technique helps ensure that the medication reaches the lungs effectively. Inhaling slowly and deeply allows the medication to be properly delivered to the airways, maximizing its effectiveness in treating the symptoms of COPD. This instruction helps the patient coordinate pressing the canister with their inhalation, which is crucial for proper medication delivery in COPD management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Marlene opening up to the nurse about their financial difficulty indicates that she feels comfortable enough to share personal information with the nurse. This signals the establishment of a trusting relationship between Marlene and the nurse, as Marlene feels safe and supported enough to disclose sensitive information. Building trust is a crucial aspect of any professional relationship, especially in healthcare settings, as it fosters open communication, encourages honesty, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for the patient. It is an essential foundation for providing effective care and support to individuals in need.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Prolonged rupture of membranes (>24 hours) increases the risk of intrauterine infection for both the mother and the fetus. When the amniotic sac has been ruptured for an extended period, there is a higher likelihood of bacteria entering the uterus, leading to chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the fetal membranes due to infection). Intrauterine infection can be dangerous for both the mother and fetus, potentially causing sepsis, preterm labor, and other complications. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to assess for signs and symptoms of infection in both the mother and fetus when managing a woman in active labor with prolonged rupture of membranes.