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: A

Rationale: Endometriosis is the most likely condition responsible for the symptoms described in this scenario. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, commonly affecting the pelvic structures such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic peritoneum. The main symptoms include cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). The retroverted and fixed uterus on examination may be due to adhesions from endometriosis, causing the uterus to be fixed in position. Endometriosis should be considered in women of reproductive age presenting with these symptoms and pelvic examination findings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An abstract is a concise summary of a research study that provides an overview of the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the research. It is usually the first section of a research report or article and serves to give the reader a quick understanding of the study without having to read the full document. In this case, Nurse Sandy has completed the study and is preparing to submit a written brief summary to the Research department, which is typically in the form of an abstract. It highlights the key points of the study, allowing others to quickly grasp the main findings and implications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When Nurse Maris is estimating the proportion of the population affected by the problem, she is assessing the magnitude of the problem. The magnitude criterion involves determining the extent of the issue within the community, such as the number of individuals affected or at risk. By understanding the magnitude of a health problem, nurses can better prioritize their efforts to address the most pressing issues that affect a large portion of the population. This criterion helps in identifying which health problems have the highest impact and require immediate attention in order to improve community health outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse can assure Sandy that her new joint will function almost as well as a normal joint if she performs her exercises faithfully because post-joint replacement surgery recovery often involves physical therapy and exercises aimed at restoring strength and mobility to the affected joint. By following the recommended exercise regimen and post-operative care instructions, Sandy can improve the function of her new joint and achieve a good level of mobility and functionality, similar to that of a normal joint. It is important for Sandy to be diligent and committed to her rehabilitation process to maximize the benefits of the joint replacement surgery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient receiving palliative care for end-stage COPD expresses a desire to discuss advance care planning, the palliative nurse should initiate a conversation about advance directives and future care preferences. Advance care planning involves discussing and documenting a patient's preferences regarding future medical care, particularly in situations where the patient may no longer be able to make decisions. This discussion helps ensure that the patient's wishes are respected and followed in the event they are unable to communicate their preferences. By engaging in advance care planning discussions, the nurse can help the patient feel empowered, supported, and in control of their medical care decisions. It also allows healthcare providers to align care with the patient's values and goals, ultimately improving quality of life and ensuring dignity at the end of life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The PRIORITY nursing action when receiving information about suspected child abuse is to report to the police authorities. Child abuse is a serious issue that requires immediate intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. The police are trained to investigate these types of situations and can take the necessary steps to protect the child from harm. It is essential to act swiftly and report any suspicions of child abuse to the proper authorities to prevent further harm and ensure the child's safety.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Erosion is the dental condition characterized by the destruction of tooth structure due to exposure to acidic substances, such as gastric acid from conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acidic beverages like sodas and citrus fruits. This acidic attack softens and wears away the enamel, leading to the erosion of tooth structure. Unlike dental caries, which is caused by bacteria producing acid from sugars in the mouth, erosion is primarily a result of external acidic sources. Attrition refers to the wear of tooth structure from tooth-to-tooth contact, and abrasion refers to the wear of tooth structure due to forces like brushing too hard or using abrasive toothpaste.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Incompetent cervix refers to a weakened cervix that is unable to support the weight of the growing fetus, leading to painless cervical dilation and second-trimester pregnancy loss. In this condition, the cervix may dilate prematurely without contractions, resulting in a painless cervical dilation. The history of recurrent second-trimester losses, along with cervical dilation and absence of uterine contractions in the presenting pregnant woman, are characteristic of incompetent cervix. Prompt recognition and management with cerclage placement can help prevent further pregnancy losses in women with incompetent cervix.