A patient presents with fever, chills, headache, and myalgia after returning from a trip to sub-Saharan Africa. Laboratory tests reveal intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites on blood smear examination. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely causative agent in this scenario is Plasmodium falciparum, a protozoan parasite that causes malaria. The patient's symptoms of fever, chills, headache, and myalgia align with the typical presentation of malaria. Additionally, the presence of intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites on blood smear examination is characteristic of Plasmodium species, particularly P. falciparum, which causes the most severe form of malaria.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When giving health teaching to the mother on how to manage the patient at home, emphasizing the need for emotional support is crucial. Taking care of a patient at home can be emotionally taxing, and the mother needs to be aware of the importance of providing emotional support to the patient. This can greatly impact the patient's overall well-being and recovery. By emphasizing the need for emotional support, the mother can create a conducive and supportive environment for the patient to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. It also helps foster a sense of connection and positivity, which is beneficial for the patient's overall health outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. In this scenario, the ER nurse clarifies the doctor's prescription to ensure the correct dosage of the pain medication based on the pain scale assessment and the patient's age. By doing so, the nurse is ensuring that the medication is safe and effective for the patient, thus adhering to the principle of non-maleficence. This action demonstrates the nurse's commitment to preventing harm and promoting the well-being of the patient through proper medication management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The described presentation of a yellowish-white spot on the cornea with a ring of inflammation, along with branching, filamentous opacities extending from the corneal lesion, is characteristic of fungal keratitis. Fungal keratitis typically presents with these specific features on clinical examination.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A nurse should wear sterile gloves and a surgical mask during a lumbar puncture procedure to maintain procedural asepsis. Sterile gloves help prevent contamination of the procedure site and reduce the risk of introducing microorganisms to the puncture site. Surgical masks help minimize the risk of respiratory secretions contaminating the sterile field, which is essential for maintaining asepsis during the procedure. Additionally, proper hand hygiene before and after the procedure is crucial in preventing the spread of infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The appropriate ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths for adult CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This means that after every 30 chest compressions, two rescue breaths should be given. This ratio helps in maintaining oxygen circulation in the body while also ensuring that the heart is being effectively pumped to circulate blood. The emphasis on chest compressions is critical in maintaining blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest, while the rescue breaths help in providing oxygen to the patient's lungs. This ratio is recommended by organizations like the American Heart Association for performing high-quality adult CPR.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A physical therapist would be the best member of the multidisciplinary team to collaborate with when a patient can benefit from using a leg prosthesis. Physical therapists specialize in assessing and treating movement disorders, including those related to amputation and prosthetic use. They can help the patient improve their mobility, strength, balance, and overall functional abilities with the prosthesis. Physical therapists can provide training on how to use the prosthesis effectively, reduce the risk of falls, and optimize the patient's independence and quality of life. Collaborating with a physical therapist ensures that the patient receives comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs and goals related to using a leg prosthesis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Quality improvement measures are most effective when everyone within an organization is involved. This includes not only professional and management staff but also consumers or customers who are directly impacted by the products or services being provided. By involving everyone, a more comprehensive and diverse perspective can be gained, leading to better identification of areas for improvement and more successful implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, by involving all stakeholders, there is a greater buy-in and commitment to the process, increasing the likelihood of sustainable improvements being made.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the patient for respiratory distress is the important nursing intervention that must be done in this situation. The scenario provided indicates that the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing increased work of breathing, which puts them at risk for respiratory distress. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the patient's respiratory status closely, including assessing their oxygen saturations, respiratory rate, and effort, to identify any signs of respiratory distress early and intervene promptly. This proactive assessment can help prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition and ensure appropriate nursing interventions are implemented promptly.