A patient presents with gradual-onset weakness, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and positive Babinski sign. Imaging reveals demyelinating plaques in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms described - gradual-onset weakness, spasticity, hyperreflexia, positive Babinski sign, and demyelinating plaques in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord - are indicative of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the myelin sheath, leading to the formation of plaques in the central nervous system. The characteristic symptoms of MS include weakness, spasticity (stiffness in muscles), hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflex responses), and positive Babinski sign (upward movement of the big toe). While ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) presents with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy without sensory involvement and demyelinating plaques, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is typically an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy affecting peripheral nerves rather than the central nervous system, and myast

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation described is characteristic of a parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid adenomas are benign neoplasms that can present as painless, well-defined nodules usually located in the lower pole of the thyroid gland or in close proximity, such as the lateral aspect of the neck above the clavicle. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of a parathyroid adenoma typically reveals polygonal cells with abundant granular cytoplasm, often referred to as chief cells. This is key in differentiating it from other conditions mentioned in the question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Radiologic procedures are typically not used as the least screening assessment by nurses in a perinatal unit. The nurse's initial screening assessments usually focus on gathering information through techniques such as physical examination, interviews, and reviewing laboratory results. Radiologic procedures, such as X-rays or CT scans, are usually ordered by physicians once a more specific diagnostic need has been identified, based on the initial screening assessments performed by the nurse. Therefore, in this scenario, the least screening assessment to be used by the nurse would be radiologic procedures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Intracerebral hemorrhage is characterized by bleeding directly into the brain parenchyma, leading to the sudden onset of severe headache, vomiting, altered mental status, and neurological deficits. The hyperdense lesion seen on imaging is caused by the presence of blood within the brain tissue. This condition is often associated with hypertension and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and managed. Subdural hematoma is an accumulation of blood between the brain and its outermost covering (dura mater), typically presenting with a slower onset of symptoms compared to intracerebral hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding into the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater (subarachnoid space), commonly caused by the rupture of an aneurysm. Ischemic stroke results from the blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cultural competence is the process of acquiring specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves understanding and respecting the values, beliefs, languages, and practices of different cultures in order to provide appropriate care and services. Cultural competence goes beyond just learning about different cultures; it requires the development of skills and attitudes that promote effective communication, understanding, and collaboration with individuals of diverse backgrounds. This includes being aware of one's own biases, being open-minded, and adapting practices to be inclusive and respectful of cultural differences. Ultimately, cultural competence is essential in providing high-quality, respectful, and effective care to clients from various cultural backgrounds.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The effects of AIDS on pregnancy do not generally include repeated abortion as a direct consequence. AIDS can impact pregnancy by increasing the risk of complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and potential transmission of the virus from mother to child. Infertility can also be a concern, but repeated abortion is not a common effect of AIDS on pregnancy. It is important to provide accurate information about the effects of AIDS on pregnancy to ensure proper understanding and support for individuals affected by this condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The night nurse is expected to collect the patient charts from various departments every three nights. Among the tasks listed, binding the charts as they are is not typically a responsibility of the night nurse. This task is usually handled by administrative staff or professional medical records technicians who are trained to manage the organization and storage of patient charts. The night nurse's primary focus should be on ensuring the correct order of the charts, checking for completeness, and addressing any issues such as torn pages by taping or repairing them to maintain the integrity of the patient records.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is a safe and effective pharmacological option for pain management during labor. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in labor and delivery settings as it has minimal effects on the baby and allows the woman to remain in control of her pain management. It provides quick pain relief when inhaled and can be adjusted to the woman's needs during labor. Ibuprofen, morphine, and diazepam are not typically used for pain management during labor due to their potential risks and side effects, especially for the baby.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pneumothorax, air enters the normally negative pressure space between the lung and chest wall, leading to loss of negative intra-pleural pressure. However, this loss of negative pressure typically does not directly result in lung collapse. Instead, the accumulation of air in the pleural space can lead to a pressure imbalance, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely, which is known as atelectasis. Therefore, it is more accurate to state that the loss of negative intra-pleural pressure can result in lung collapse due to the presence of air in the pleural space, rather than the loss of negative pressure itself causing the collapse.