Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ménière's disease is characterized by the triad of symptoms including progressive sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The audiometric testing in Ménière's disease often shows a "carrot-shaped" configuration, which refers to low-frequency hearing loss initially and eventually spreading to involve higher frequencies. This distinctive pattern of hearing loss helps differentiate Ménière's disease from other causes like Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) or Noise-induced hearing loss. Acoustic neuroma can present with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss but typically does not exhibit the specific "carrot-shaped" configuration seen in Ménière's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a critically ill patient admitted to the ICU with acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), the healthcare team should prioritize the initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). CRRT is preferred in critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability as it allows for slow and continuous removal of solutes and fluids, making it a safer option compared to intermittent hemodialysis. CRRT can also provide better control of volume status and electrolyte imbalances over a longer period, which is beneficial in critically ill patients who are hemodynamically unstable. Peritoneal dialysis is not commonly used in the ICU setting for acute renal failure requiring RRT, and loop diuretics are not effective in treating acute renal failure. Temporary hemodialysis catheters may also be used, but CRRT is generally preferred in critically ill patients for better hemodynamic tolerance and control of solute and fluid removal.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: This statement indicates a need for further instructions because drinking milk between meals may worsen heartburn for some individuals. Milk can temporarily neutralize stomach acid, but it can also stimulate acid production in the stomach leading to increased heartburn symptoms. Therefore, Nurse Harper should provide more guidance on appropriate dietary choices for managing heartburn, such as avoiding trigger foods like fatty or spicy foods, eating small, frequent meals, and not lying down immediately after eating.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In collecting a sputum specimen, the nurse should instruct Roy to breathe slowly, cough, and then expectorate into the specimen container. This ensures that the sputum sample is collected from the lower respiratory tract where it is most likely to contain pathogens or other relevant substances for analysis. By instructing Roy to breathe slowly, it helps him to take deep breaths and effectively cough to produce a good sputum sample. Additionally, asking him to expectorate directly into the specimen container helps prevent contamination from saliva or other sources, ensuring the accuracy of the specimen collected for testing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms described - sudden-onset severe headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, neck stiffness, and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs - are classic manifestations of meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often caused by infection. The sudden onset of these symptoms and signs, along with neck stiffness and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs (indicative of meningeal irritation), strongly suggest meningitis as the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.