A patient presents with chronic low back pain and radicular symptoms radiating down the leg. MRI reveals a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level with compression of the adjacent nerve root. Which surgical procedure is commonly performed to decompress the nerve root and alleviate symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A discectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to decompress the nerve root by removing a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. In cases of herniated discs causing radicular symptoms (such as pain radiating down the leg), a discectomy can help alleviate the compression on the nerve, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient's condition. This procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is herniated or bulging out to relieve pressure on the nerve root, allowing for improved function and reduced pain. Spinal fusion, laminectomy, and foraminotomy are other surgical procedures that are not typically performed for the direct decompression of the nerve root in cases of herniated discs at a specific level like the L5-S1 level.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize ensuring proper zeroing and calibration of the ICP monitoring system to ensure procedural accuracy and reliability of the measurements obtained. Proper zeroing involves setting the transducer at the level of the patient's external auditory meatus (ear), which serves as a reference point for accurate ICP readings. Calibration is necessary to establish accurate pressure measurements. Incorrect zeroing or calibration can lead to inaccurate ICP readings, which can impact clinical decision-making for patients with traumatic brain injury. Positioning the patient in a high-Fowler's position, administering prophylactic antibiotics, or placing the ICP monitor in the subarachnoid space via lumbar puncture are not directly related to ensuring the accuracy of the ICP monitoring procedure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Battery refers to the intentional touching of another person without consent, resulting in harm or offense. In this scenario, the nurse inserted the urinary catheter into the client's urethra without the client's consent, leading to an injury. This action constitutes battery as the nurse carried out a medical procedure without the client's permission, resulting in harm to the client. The client can sue the nurse for battery in this situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A severe headache is a classic sign of a hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding. This bleeding can lead to increased pressure within the skull, resulting in a sudden and severe headache. Other symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke may include nausea, vomiting, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and loss of coordination. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, including a severe headache, as prompt treatment is crucial in minimizing damage and improving outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's presentation of thyroid nodule with compression symptoms like difficulty swallowing and breathing, along with fine-needle aspiration biopsy showing a follicular pattern and colloid-filled spaces, is highly suggestive of a follicular adenoma. Follicular adenomas are benign thyroid tumors that can cause compression symptoms due to their growth and size, leading to pressure on surrounding structures in the neck area. The presence of colloid-filled spaces in the biopsy is characteristic of follicular adenomas.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The PRIORITY nursing action of the nurse for Jose due for oxygen therapy is to turn on the oxygen. Ensuring that the oxygen is turned on is the necessary first step before any other actions can be effective in delivering oxygen to the patient. Without oxygen being turned on, all other steps such as attaching the humidifier, connecting tubing, or adjusting the flow rate would be ineffective in providing the necessary oxygen therapy to the patient. Therefore, turning on the oxygen is the most crucial initial step to take in this situation to ensure that the patient receives the needed oxygen promptly and safely.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The barrier to goal setting between the nurse and the family in this scenario is the failure of the family to perceive the existence of the problem. Goal setting in healthcare generally requires mutual agreement and understanding between the healthcare provider (nurse) and the patient/family. If the family does not perceive that there is an existing problem that needs to be addressed, there will likely be resistance or lack of motivation to set goals and work towards resolving the issue. This barrier can hinder effective communication, collaboration, and ultimately, the successful achievement of healthcare goals. It is important for the nurse to address this barrier through education, communication, and building trust to ensure that all parties are on the same page and actively participate in goal setting and care planning.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: While it is important for nurse leaders to seek input and feedback from staff members, the inappropriate aspect of this action lies in the lack of clarity. The option contains a typographical error "natter" instead of "matter," which may lead to confusion and hinder effective communication. Additionally, the word choice of "opinion" instead of a more structured and strategic approach like "feedback" or "input" could be improved for professional communication in the workplace. Therefore, this action may not be considered appropriate in a work setting due to potential misunderstandings that can arise from the lack of clarity in communication.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of well-demarcated, hypopigmented macules with fine scaling on the trunk and proximal extremities is classic for tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia spp., which leads to hypo- or hyperpigmented patches on the skin. The condition often occurs in individuals with increased sebum production due to factors such as hot and humid climates, sweating, and oily skin. History of sun exposure and outdoor activities is also commonly reported by patients with tinea versicolor. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications applied topically or taken orally to eliminate the fungus. Differentiating tinea versicolor from other skin conditions, such as vitiligo, pityriasis rosea, or seborrheic keratosis, is important for appropriate management.