A patient presents with a painless, gradually enlarging mass in the left neck, anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Fine-needle aspiration cytology reveals thyroid follicular cells. Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for this presentation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presentation described is most consistent with a thyroid adenoma. Thyroid adenomas are benign neoplasms of the thyroid gland and can present as painless, gradually enlarging masses in the neck. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealing thyroid follicular cells further supports the diagnosis of a thyroid adenoma. Thyroglossal duct cysts typically present as midline neck masses that move with swallowing, while lymphadenopathy presents as enlarged lymph nodes and may be associated with infection or malignancy. Thyroid carcinoma may also present as a neck mass but is more likely to be associated with other features such as vocal cord paralysis, hoarseness, or enlarged cervical lymph nodes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Wearing a mask is an essential infection control measure to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. By wearing a mask, Nurse Emma can reduce the risk of inhaling or exhaling respiratory droplets that may contain infectious particles, thus helping to protect herself and the family members she is visiting. Masks are particularly crucial when interacting with individuals who are sick or when physical distancing may be challenging. While using gloves, face shields, and gowns are also important infection control measures in certain situations, wearing a mask is the most relevant and effective measure during a home visit to prevent respiratory transmission of infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Uterine hyperstimulation is a condition in which the uterus contracts too frequently or too intensely, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygenation to the placenta. This can result in maternal fatigue and decreased fetal oxygenation due to the lack of sufficient rest intervals between contractions. Uterine hyperstimulation can be caused by factors such as the use of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to induce or augment labor, uterine abnormalities, or maternal conditions like pre-eclampsia. It is important for the nurse to assess for uterine hyperstimulation in a woman experiencing frequent and intense contractions to intervene promptly and prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with severe abdominal pain due to end-stage pancreatic cancer, the priority intervention to manage their symptoms would be to provide adequate pain relief. Opioid analgesics are the cornerstone of pain management for cancer patients experiencing severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, thereby reducing the perception of pain. Opioids are highly effective in managing cancer pain, including abdominal pain, and can significantly improve the patient's quality of life by providing relief from distressing symptoms. Therefore, administering opioid analgesics should be the nurse's primary intervention in this case to address the patient's severe abdominal pain. Initiating enteral nutrition, recommending hot compresses, or referring to a gastroenterologist may be relevant interventions depending on the patient's overall care plan but addressing the pain should be the immediate priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Respect for persons is an ethical principle that emphasizes the autonomy and freedom of individuals to make their own decisions regarding participation in research studies. In the context of human subjects research, this principle requires that individuals have the right to choose whether or not to participate in a study, without any coercion or manipulation. The principle of respect for persons also includes the concept of informed consent, where individuals must be provided with all necessary information about the study in order to make an informed decision about participation. Overall, respecting the autonomy and choices of individuals is a fundamental aspect of ethical research conduct.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most likely causative agent in this scenario is Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the bacterium responsible for causing Lyme disease. The classic presentation of Lyme disease includes fever, malaise, and a skin lesion resembling a "bull's eye" rash, known as erythema migrans. This rash typically appears at the site of a tick bite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to involve multiple organ systems and lead to more severe complications. Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria, which typically presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue, but it does not cause a "bull's eye" rash. Trypanosoma cruzi is the parasite responsible for Chagas disease, which presents with symptoms such as fever, swelling at the site of entry (typically the bite wound), and enlarged lymph nodes, but it does not

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nicotine, a substance found in cigarettes, is known to have harmful effects on pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to numerous complications, one of which is the increased risk of delivering a low birth weight infant. Low birth weight infants are born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) and are at a higher risk of various health issues, developmental delays, and even mortality. Therefore, Nurse Emma advised the patient to quit smoking to reduce the risk of having a low birth weight infant.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The assessment finding that is indicative of the diagnosis of hypertension is consistent evaluation of blood pressure. Hypertension is diagnosed based on repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Consistently high blood pressure readings, usually defined as systolic blood pressure consistently at or above 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure consistently at or above 90 mmHg, are a key factor in diagnosing hypertension. Family history of high blood pressure (Choice A), elevation of blood cholesterol level (Choice B), and a stressful work environment (Choice C) may be risk factors for hypertension but are not diagnostic criteria. In order to diagnose hypertension, healthcare providers rely on consistent measurement and evaluation of blood pressure over time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Using an expired skin preparation solution can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the surgical site cleansing. Expired solutions may have reduced efficacy or could cause adverse reactions due to chemical breakdown over time. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to discard the expired solution and obtain a new one to ensure proper sanitation and reduce the risk of complications during the surgical procedure. It is important to adhere to proper protocols and guidelines in healthcare settings to maintain patient safety and optimal outcomes.