A patient presents with hoarseness, dysphonia, and occasional throat pain. Direct laryngoscopy reveals vocal cord nodules. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for managing this condition?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vocal cord nodules are benign growths on the vocal cords, typically caused by vocal abuse or misuse. The most appropriate intervention for managing vocal cord nodules is voice therapy and vocal hygiene education. Voice therapy aims to correct vocal habits and techniques that contribute to the formation of nodules, while vocal hygiene education focuses on maintaining vocal health through proper hydration, rest, and avoiding behaviors that strain the vocal cords. These interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing and eliminating vocal cord nodules without the need for surgical intervention. Surgery, such as vocal cord polypectomy or injection with corticosteroids, is typically reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative management or if there are significant complications. Partial laryngectomy is a more extensive surgical procedure that is not typically indicated for vocal cord nodules.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe condition characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs leading to increased pulmonary vascular permeability, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. In ARDS, the alveolar-capillary barrier is disrupted, resulting in fluid accumulation in the alveoli and impaired gas exchange.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The signs reported by the patient, such as feeling nauseated, restless, sweating excessively, fatigue, and increased hunger, are indicative of hypoglycemia, which is characterized by low blood sugar levels. In individuals with hypoglycemia, these symptoms can occur when the blood glucose levels drop too low, leading to disturbances in the body's energy supply. This is common in individuals who may have experienced episodes of low blood sugar, especially if they have a history of diabetes or are taking medications that lower blood sugar levels. Diabetic nephropathy, hyperglycemia, and diabetic retinopathy are conditions associated with high blood sugar levels and are not consistent with the symptoms described by the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a woman in active labor diagnosed with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine atony is to massage the uterus to promote contraction. Uterine massage helps to stimulate uterine muscle tone and contraction, which can help control bleeding by reducing the size of blood vessels and promoting hemostasis. It is important to address the uterine atony promptly to prevent further blood loss and stabilize the patient's condition. Other interventions such as blood transfusion, administering antibiotics, and elevating the mother's legs can be considered based on the patient's response to the initial intervention of uterine massage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important intervention for managing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a patient undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU is to start appropriate antimicrobial therapy targeting MRSA. Vancomycin or linezolid are commonly used antibiotics for MRSA infections. These medications are effective against MRSA and can help in treating the infection and preventing further complications. It is crucial to initiate antimicrobial therapy promptly once the diagnosis of VAP caused by MRSA is suspected or confirmed to improve patient outcomes. Other interventions such as bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnostic purposes, contact precautions, or antifungal therapy may be relevant but the priority is to start effective antibiotic therapy to target the specific pathogen causing the infection.