A patient presents with episodic throbbing headache associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Symptoms are often preceded by an aura. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation of episodic throbbing headache associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura suggests a diagnosis of migraine headache. Migraines are a common neurological condition characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches that are often unilateral, pulsating, and aggravated by physical activity. The presence of premonitory symptoms (aura) before the headache is a key feature commonly seen in migraines. Additionally, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound are also common features associated with migraines.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response to a patient expressing fear of the unknown regarding an upcoming surgical procedure is to provide the patient with accurate information about the surgical procedure and what to expect. This approach empowers the patient with knowledge and helps alleviate anxiety by demystifying the unknown. By educating the patient about the procedure, potential risks, and postoperative care, the nurse can help the patient feel more prepared and in control of the situation. It is crucial for healthcare providers to address patient fears with compassion, understanding, and information to support the patient through the surgical process.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient's presentation of central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, purple striae, and elevated cortisol levels strongly suggest Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive levels of cortisol, either due to an endogenous (e.g., adrenal tumor) or exogenous (e.g., prolonged steroid use) source. The classic physical features of Cushing's syndrome include central obesity with thin extremities (truncal obesity), moon face (rounding and reddening of the face), buffalo hump (accumulation of fat between the shoulders), and purple striae (stretch marks that are wide and purple in color). In the context of the elevated cortisol levels, these clinical signs are highly indicative of Cushing's syndrome. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus would not typically present with the specific combination of symptoms described.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient's presentation of a painless thyroid nodule and hoarseness of voice is consistent with papillary thyroid carcinoma, a type of thyroid cancer. While Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease are autoimmune thyroid conditions that can lead to thyroid nodules, they typically do not present with hoarseness of voice. Diabetes mellitus does not directly cause these symptoms. Thyroid cancer, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma, is the most likely cause based on the patient's clinical presentation and the biopsy results.

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.