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: B

Rationale: The importance of validation in the context of communication and nursing care does not include the assumption that most patients are cognitively impaired. It would be more appropriate to approach patient interactions with the assumption that patients are capable of understanding and coherent communication. Validation is important because it helps ensure that the nurse has truly understood the patient's message, prevents misinterpretation, and fosters a sense of empathy and trust in the nurse-patient relationship. Additionally, validating the patient's thoughts and feelings can help clarify confused thoughts and promote effective communication. The other options (A, C, and D) are all valid reasons emphasizing the significance of validation in effective communication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best action the nurse should prioritize to enhance patient comfort during a colposcopy procedure is to explain the procedure steps and provide emotional support to the patient. Colposcopy is a procedure that involves examining the cervix, vagina, and vulva closely. Patients may feel anxious or uncomfortable during the procedure due to the sensitive nature of the area being examined and the potential concerns related to abnormal cervical cytology results. By explaining the procedure steps in detail before starting and providing emotional support, the nurse can help alleviate the patient's fears and anxieties, thereby enhancing their comfort and promoting a more positive experience overall. Additionally, establishing good communication and trust with the patient can also improve their cooperation during the procedure. Administering sedation, applying a topical anesthetic cream, and allowing a support person to be present are all important factors in providing holistic care as well, but the initial priority should be on communication and emotional support.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation of recurrent episodes of sudden, severe vertigo lasting hours, along with nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, and unilateral weakness on vestibular function tests, is most consistent with vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis is an inflammatory disorder of the vestibular nerve, typically viral in origin, leading to acute onset of vertigo. Patients often experience severe vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting, along with characteristic nystagmus. Unilateral weakness on vestibular function testing supports the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis, as it indicates dysfunction of one vestibular organ. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) typically presents with brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position without associated unilateral vestibular weakness. Ménière's disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo associated with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness, and

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Utilizing communication and social media responsibly is an indicator that models personal and professional behavior and values. Responsible use of communication and social media demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a positive online presence, interacting respectfully with others, and upholding professional standards in digital communication. This behavior reflects integrity, accountability, and respect for oneself and others, which are essential qualities in both personal and professional settings. Additionally, demonstrating responsible behavior in the digital sphere can help build trust, enhance reputation, and foster valuable relationships with colleagues, clients, and the community.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Menopause is the most important risk factor for osteoporosis because it leads to a decrease in estrogen levels, which plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to loss of estrogen's protective effects on bone mass. Other risk factors like history of previous fracture, being male, and short stature can also contribute to osteoporosis, but menopause has the strongest association with the development of the condition. It is essential for postmenopausal women to be aware of this risk factor and take preventive measures such as regular exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and appropriate medical evaluation and treatment as needed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition characterized by widespread activation of coagulation leading to both thrombosis and hemorrhage. In patients with chronic liver disease, especially in the setting of advanced cirrhosis, DIC can develop due to factors such as decreased synthesis of coagulation factors and impaired clearance of activated clotting factors. The patient in this scenario presents with signs of both abnormal bleeding (bruising, petechiae, mucosal bleeding) and laboratory findings consistent with DIC, including prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) along with decreased platelet count.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most significant contributory factor to the development of lung cancer is being a cigarette smoker. Cigarette smoking is directly linked to approximately 85% of lung cancer cases. The harmful substances in tobacco smoke, such as carcinogens, damage the cells in the lungs, leading to the development of cancer over time. Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Therefore, being a cigarette smoker is the primary and most influential risk factor for developing lung cancer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's presentation of urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, and suprapubic pain along with the urinalysis findings of pyuria (pus in the urine) and bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine) are highly suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are one of the most common types of bacterial infections seen in clinical practice. The symptoms described are classic for a lower urinary tract infection. The presence of pyuria and bacteriuria on urinalysis further supports the diagnosis of a UTI. Acute glomerulonephritis typically presents with hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and edema. Chronic kidney disease is often asymptomatic in early stages and presents with symptoms like fatigue, edema, and changes in urination later on. Renal calculi are associated with severe colicky flank pain that can radiate to the groin, and they may present with