A patient presents with fever, malaise, and a maculopapular rash that started on the face and spread to the trunk and extremities. Laboratory tests reveal leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The clinical presentation of fever, malaise, maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading to the trunk and extremities, along with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, is highly suggestive of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. RMSF is a tick-borne illness transmitted by the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick. The constellation of symptoms described aligns well with the typical presentation of RMSF. Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, which presents with erythema migrans but does not typically cause leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of severe malaria and would present with symptoms such as cyclic fevers, anemia, and jaundice but not the described rash distribution.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: T cell exhaustion is a state of T cell dysfunction that arises during chronic viral infections or cancer. In the case of a chronic viral infection, the persistent exposure to viral antigens leads to continuous stimulation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Over time, this sustained stimulation can lead to T cell exhaustion, characterized by the upregulation of inhibitory receptors, impaired effector functions, and reduced proliferative capacity. As a result, despite the elevated levels of CD8+ T cells in the blood, their function may be compromised, ultimately impacting the immune response against the viral infection. In contrast, activation-induced cell death (AICD) may contribute to T cell loss during chronic infections but would not explain the persistently elevated CD8+ T cell levels. Thymic involution refers to the age-related decline in thymus function, which is not directly related to the observed increase in CD8+ T cells. Antigenic

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is characterized by bleeding within the subarachnoid space, the area between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater surrounding the brain. Patients typically present with a sudden-onset severe headache, altered mental status, and focal neurological deficits due to the mass effect of the blood in the subarachnoid space. Imaging, such as a CT scan, can confirm the presence of the hemorrhagic lesion. Ischemic stroke results from a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to tissue infarction and neurological deficits. Subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, commonly seen following head trauma. Intracerebral hemorrhage involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself, often leading to focal neurological deficits.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but serious condition characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurological abnormalities, fever, and renal dysfunction. The classic pentad of symptoms includes fever, neurologic changes, renal impairment, thrombocytopenia, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. The presence of petechiae, purpura, and mucosal bleeding along with thrombocytopenia, elevated serum creatinine, and schistocytes on peripheral blood smear are consistent with TTP. In TTP, there is usually a deficiency of ADAMTS13 (a von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease) leading to excessive platelet adhesion, aggregation, and microthrombi formation within small blood vessels. Treatment typically

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Even though Ms. C's self-esteem and weight have improved, her continued negative self-talk and use of derogatory terms like "fatty" indicate a distorted perception of her body image. This distortion needs to be addressed and corrected for her overall long-term psychological well-being. By focusing on addressing the disturbed body image, the nursing team can help Ms. C develop a more positive self-perception and maintain the progress she has made towards recovery from anorexia nervosa. It is important to prioritize interventions that promote a healthier and more realistic body image in order to support her ongoing recovery journey.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. In this condition, lymphocytic infiltration and germinal centers can be seen in the thyroid tissue. This inflammation can lead to the formation of thyroid nodules and enlargement of the thyroid gland, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and breathing due to compression of surrounding structures. Additionally, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can result in hypothyroidism over time, further contributing to the symptoms. Therefore, the patient in this case is most likely experiencing these symptoms due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Graves' disease, on the other hand, typically presents with hyperthyroidism and is less likely to manifest as compressive symptoms of the thyroid gland.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If the nurse notices a discrepancy between the patient's identification bracelet and the surgical consent form, the immediate action should be to inform the surgeon and anesthesia provider. It is crucial to address any discrepancies before proceeding with the surgical procedure to ensure patient safety and prevent any potential errors or complications. The surgical team needs to be made aware of the issue so that they can verify the correct patient information and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to proceed safely. Communication and collaboration among the healthcare team members are essential in such situations to prevent any harm to the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Educating the client about the "baby blues" phenomenon should be prioritized as it is a common occurrence that happens to many women after giving birth. The "baby blues" refer to feelings of sadness, irritability, and tearfulness that many new mothers experience due to hormonal changes and the stress of adjusting to motherhood. By understanding that these feelings are a normal part of the postpartum period and that they usually resolve on their own within a few weeks, the client may feel reassured and supported. Providing information and support can help the client cope with these emotions and reduce any anxiety or distress they may be feeling. If the client's emotional state does not improve or becomes more severe, further intervention such as referring to a mental health professional may be necessary. But initially, education and reassurance about the "baby blues" can be an effective nursing intervention to address the client's emotional well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a premalignant condition of the cervix that is characterized by the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. HPV infection is a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. CIN is typically detected on routine cervical screening tests such as Pap smears or HPV testing. If left untreated, CIN can progress to invasive cervical cancer. Therefore, the presence of high-risk HPV types in CIN lesions indicates an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.