A patient presents with a rash characterized by erythematous papules and vesicles arranged in a linear distribution. Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for this presentation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The classic presentation of scabies includes a rash characterized by erythematous papules and vesicles that are arranged in a linear or burrow-like distribution. These linear tracks are often seen in areas such as the interdigital spaces, wrists, elbows, axillae, belt line, and genitalia. It is commonly associated with intense itching, especially at night. Unlike psoriasis, which presents with silvery scales and well-defined borders, or contact dermatitis, which results from exposure to a specific allergen or irritant, scabies is caused by a parasitic mite infestation. Atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by pruritic eczematous lesions, but it typically does not manifest with a linear distribution of lesions like scabies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is in a somnolent status and still under the effect of anesthesia, the most appropriate position to place the patient is in a supine position with the head of the bed slightly elevated. This position helps prevent any obstruction of the airway and promotes optimal ventilation. Elevating the head of the bed ensures that the patient's airway remains clear and allows for proper breathing. Additionally, this position helps prevent aspiration and promotes proper circulation. Overall, the supine position with the head bed slightly elevated is the safest and most effective position for a patient in this condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is characterized by ascending motor weakness, starting typically in the lower extremities and progressing upwards. Patients with GBS often verbalize the early onset of symptoms as weakness starting in the legs and potentially spreading to involve the arms and sometimes the face. Therefore, the common verbalization of the patient with GBS regarding the early onset of symptoms is ascending motor weakness. Acute hemiplegia (choice A) and acute hemiparesis (choice D) involve weakness or paralysis typically limited to one side of the body, which is not a characteristic presentation of GBS. Weakness of the four lower extremities (choice C) is also not a typical description in GBS as the weakness usually starts distally and progresses proximally.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A strong team is cohesive, meaning its members work well together, communicate effectively, and support each other. Cohesion helps the team to function smoothly and achieve its goals efficiently. While being driven, having shared goals, and a sense of mission are important characteristics of a strong team, cohesion is the foundation that holds the team together and allows these other factors to thrive.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate action for a nurse in this situation is to request the senior nurse to read the illegible order for clarification. It is essential to ensure accurate and safe patient care by confirming the correct interpretation of the order with a colleague familiar with the handwriting. This action helps prevent errors and misunderstandings that may occur due to illegible handwriting. Consulting with the senior nurse is a common practice in healthcare settings to maintain effective communication and avoid mistakes in patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In assigning rooms for the injured patients, the most appropriate and compassionate choice is to have mother and child together in one room. This decision prioritizes the well-being and emotional support for the child, as having the mother nearby can have a positive impact on the child's recovery. It also promotes family bonding during a difficult time, which can aid in the healing process. Additionally, the presence of a parent can provide comfort and reassurance to the child, contributing to a more positive hospital experience. Therefore, it is important for the nurses to coordinate with the Administration to ensure that mother and child are assigned to the same room whenever possible.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Selective IgA deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by low or absent levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the blood. Since IgA plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity and defense against pathogens at mucosal surfaces, individuals with this deficiency are more susceptible to recurrent bacterial infections, particularly of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In contrast, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a more severe immunodeficiency disorder affecting T and B lymphocytes, chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a disorder of phagocytes, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune disease involving red blood cells, none of which are directly associated with selective IgA deficiency.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described, with the patient having an acute exacerbation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis, the priority intervention to manage the metabolic derangements is to perform emergent hemodialysis for potassium removal. Hemodialysis is the most effective and rapid method to lower dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. It is crucial in cases of severe hyperkalemia where other measures such as medications or dietary modifications may not be sufficient or fast enough to correct the elevated potassium levels. Additionally, hemodialysis can also help in improving metabolic acidosis by removing waste products and excess electrolytes from the blood. Overall, emergent hemodialysis is the most appropriate intervention for managing the acute metabolic abnormalities in this critically ill patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's primary responsibility in responding to a patient's questions about their diagnosis and treatment options is to listen actively and provide accurate, honest, and comprehensive answers. This approach helps build trust between the patient and the healthcare team, allows the patient to make informed decisions about their care, and ensures that the patient understands their condition and the recommended treatment plan. Providing vague answers or ignoring the patient's questions can lead to confusion, anxiety, and mistrust, which can hinder the patient's overall care and recovery. Referring the patient to the physician for all questions may be appropriate for certain medical inquiries, but the nurse plays a crucial role in educating and supporting the patient throughout their healthcare journey.