A patient presents with fever, malaise, and a skin lesion resembling a "bull's eye" rash at the site of a tick bite. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most likely causative agent in this scenario is Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the bacterium responsible for causing Lyme disease. The classic presentation of Lyme disease includes fever, malaise, and a skin lesion resembling a "bull's eye" rash, known as erythema migrans. This rash typically appears at the site of a tick bite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to involve multiple organ systems and lead to more severe complications. Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria, which typically presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue, but it does not cause a "bull's eye" rash. Trypanosoma cruzi is the parasite responsible for Chagas disease, which presents with symptoms such as fever, swelling at the site of entry (typically the bite wound), and enlarged lymph nodes, but it does not

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Uterine rupture is the most likely cause of these symptoms in a pregnant woman presenting with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, rigidity of the abdomen, and palpable fetal parts abdominally. Uterine rupture is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy, typically occurring during labor in women with a previous cesarean delivery or other uterine scars. The sudden onset of severe abdominal pain can be associated with vaginal bleeding due to the tearing of the uterine wall, causing fetal parts to be palpable abdominally. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. Ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian torsion may present with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding but would not typically present with palpable fetal parts abdominally in a pregnant woman.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Before initiating hydrotherapy for pain relief during labor, the nurse's priority action should be to assess the maternal and fetal conditions to determine if the mother is eligible for this form of pain management. It is essential to ensure that hydrotherapy is safe and appropriate for the specific situation. Assessing the maternal condition includes evaluating factors such as the stage of labor, maternal and fetal well-being, and any medical conditions that could impact the use of hydrotherapy. This assessment helps to identify any contraindications or risks that may affect the mother and baby during hydrotherapy. By conducting a thorough assessment, the nurse can make an informed decision about whether hydrotherapy is suitable for the woman in labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is a medical emergency during labor because it can cause compression of the umbilical cord, leading to decreased oxygen supply to the fetus. The priority nursing action in this situation is to prepare for an immediate cesarean section. This is necessary to quickly deliver the baby and relieve pressure on the cord, preventing potential fetal distress or death. Elevating the mother's hips may help reduce pressure on the cord temporarily, but it is not the definitive treatment for a prolapsed cord. Administering intravenous fluids rapidly may be necessary, but it is not the priority intervention when the fetus is at risk due to a prolapsed cord. Performing a vaginal examination to assess cervical dilation is contraindicated in the presence of a prolapsed umbilical cord as it can further compress the cord and worsen the situation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a woman in active labor demonstrates signs of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) with the fetal head failing to descend despite strong contractions, the nursing action that should be prioritized is to prepare for immediate instrumental delivery. CPD can lead to a prolonged and difficult labor, increasing the risks for both the mother and the fetus. In cases where the fetal head is not descending adequately and the mother's contractions are strong, instrumental delivery, like forceps or vacuum extraction, may be necessary to facilitate the safe delivery of the baby. It is important to act promptly to avoid potential complications associated with prolonged labor. Other actions, such as performing a pelvic exam, changing maternal positions, or administering oxytocin, may be considered but addressing the issue of CPD efficiently through instrumental delivery should take precedence in this scenario.