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 patient's symptoms of fever, chills, headache, and myalgia after returning from sub-Saharan Africa are consistent with malaria. Intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites observed on blood smear examination are characteristic of Plasmodium species, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most common and deadliest species causing malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Plasmodium falciparum can lead to severe complications, such as cerebral malaria, if not promptly treated. Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, not malaria. Borrelia burgdorferi is responsible for Lyme disease, which typically presents with a different set of symptoms like erythema migrans rash. Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis, not malaria.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action in this situation is to perform abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver. This technique is used to clear a blocked airway caused by a choking obstruction. Encouraging continued coughing may not be effective if the person is unable to dislodge the obstruction on their own. Delivering back blows can sometimes be effective, but abdominal thrusts are more commonly recommended in cases of choking in adults. Administering rescue breaths is not recommended if the person is conscious and able to cough, as it may worsen the situation by pushing the obstruction further down. By quickly performing abdominal thrusts, you can help dislodge the obstruction and potentially save the person's life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should inform the public that rabies can be prevented. This is an extremely important piece of information to help raise awareness about the disease and promote preventive measures such as timely vaccination of both animals and humans. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that affects the central nervous system, and prevention through vaccination is highly effective in controlling its spread. By emphasizing the preventability of rabies, the nurse can educate the public on the importance of taking proactive steps to avoid contracting the disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of a palpable, non-tender mass in the right neck, just below the angle of the mandible, along with ultrasound imaging findings of a well-defined, hypoechoic lesion with cystic components, is classic for a branchial cleft cyst. Branchial cleft cysts are congenital anomalies that arise from remnants of the branchial clefts or pouches during embryonic development. They are typically located along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, just below the mandible. Ultrasound imaging often shows a cystic lesion with well-defined borders and hypoechoic content, which is consistent with the described findings. Thyroglossal duct cysts usually present as midline neck masses that move with swallowing or tongue protrusion, not in the location described in the scenario. Lymphadenopathy would present as enlarged lymph nodes that may be tender and associated with systemic symptoms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Using colored pictures can help make the presentation of the plan more visually engaging and easier to understand for the audience, in this case, the nurse's intended audience. Visual aids, such as colored pictures, can effectively convey complex information in a simplified and easy-to-digest manner. This approach can enhance comprehension and retention of the presented material, making the implementation of the plan more accessible and clear to the individuals involved.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention to promote optimal wound healing in a client who had an episiotomy is providing perineal care using peri-bottles with warm water. Warm water helps to cleanse the area, reduce the risk of infection, and promote circulation, which aids in wound healing. Peri-bottles are especially gentle and effective in cleaning the perineal area without causing trauma to the incision site. Encouraging frequent perineal hygiene with soap and water may be too harsh on the incision site and could lead to irritation. Applying antibiotic ointment after each void is not necessary unless prescribed by the healthcare provider, as overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance. Instructing the client on proper peri-pad application is important for comfort and cleanliness but is not as crucial as gentle perineal care using peri-bottles with warm water for promoting optimal wound healing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering intravenous fluids as ordered is the most appropriate nursing action for a postpartum client exhibiting signs of severe dehydration. Severe dehydration, as indicated by dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and oliguria, requires immediate intervention to restore fluid balance effectively. Intravenous fluids deliver fluids directly into the bloodstream, ensuring rapid rehydration and addressing the critical situation promptly. Offering oral rehydration solutions may not be sufficient to address severe dehydration, and providing education on fluid intake can be important for prevention but is not the immediate priority in this scenario. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential, but initiating intravenous fluids promptly is crucial in managing severe dehydration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for managing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is to administer combination antibiotic therapy targeting the specific resistant pathogens identified in the patient's culture results. MDROs are often resistant to multiple antibiotics, so combination therapy is required to maximize the chances of effectively treating the infection. Identifying the specific pathogens causing the VAP through cultures is crucial in tailoring the antibiotic therapy to target these organisms effectively. Implementing appropriate antibiotic therapy promptly is essential to improve outcomes and prevent further complications in patients with VAP caused by MDROs. Option A is the priority intervention in this case to address the multidrug-resistant nature of the infection and provide targeted treatment for the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient would be "Self-care deficit related to neuromuscular impairment." This diagnosis is supported by the information provided, which indicates that the patient is experiencing neuromuscular impairment that is likely affecting their ability to perform self-care activities. A self-care deficit diagnosis is relevant when a patient is unable to perform activities of daily living independently due to physical or cognitive limitations. In this case, the neuromuscular impairment is likely impacting the patient's ability to engage in self-care tasks, such as feeding, grooming, bathing, and dressing. By identifying and addressing this self-care deficit, the healthcare team can help the patient maintain optimal functioning and independence despite their neuromuscular impairment.