A patient presents with progressive weakness, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations, primarily involving the upper and lower extremities. Over time, the patient develops dysphagia and dysarthria. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms described, including progressive weakness, muscle atrophy, fasciculations, dysphagia, and dysarthria primarily involving the upper and lower extremities, are classic features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. As the disease progresses, patients may develop difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and speaking (dysarthria). In contrast, Parkinson's disease primarily involves movement-related symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movements. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy that typically presents with ascending weakness and sensory abnormalities, often preceded by an infection. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle weakness exacerbated by

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The liver is responsible for secreting bile, which aids in the emulsification and digestion of fats. Bile is produced by the liver and is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to help with the breakdown of fats during the digestion process. The gallbladder functions as a storage organ for bile produced by the liver. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to aid in the digestion process, while the spleen is mainly involved in immune function and blood storage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption (breakdown of bone tissue) and bone formation, leading to bone thinning and increased risk of fractures. In osteoporosis, bones become weak and porous, making them more prone to fractures even with minor trauma. This condition is common in postmenopausal women and older individuals. Risk factors for osteoporosis include age, gender, family history, lack of physical activity, low calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications, including adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, and sometimes medication to help slow down bone loss and reduce fracture risk. Early detection and management of osteoporosis are crucial to prevent fractures and maintain bone health.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choosing option C, asking the patient about their cultural beliefs and preferences related to pain, demonstrates cultural competence in pain assessment. Pain experiences can vary greatly across different cultures, and a patient's cultural background can influence how they perceive and express pain. By inquiring about the patient's cultural beliefs and preferences, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the patient's perspective on pain. This information is crucial for providing individualized and culturally sensitive pain management interventions. It also shows respect for the patient's unique cultural background and helps build a trusting and collaborative relationship between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Grilled chicken breast is a suitable choice for a low-phosphorus diet because poultry is typically lower in phosphorus compared to dairy products (like cheese), nuts (like almonds), and whole grains (like wheat toast). This option indicates an understanding of the need to restrict phosphorus intake, which is important for individuals with chronic kidney disease to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient receiving palliative care for end-stage cancer experiences severe nausea and vomiting despite current antiemetic therapy, the palliative nurse should consider switching to a different antiemetic medication with a different mechanism of action. This approach is based on the concept of individual variability in response to medications, as well as the potential development of tolerance to a particular drug. Switching to a different antiemetic with a new mechanism of action can provide the patient with a fresh chance at better symptom control by targeting different receptors or pathways involved in nausea and vomiting. It is important to consult the healthcare team and consider the patient's overall condition and medication history before making any changes in the treatment plan.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention to alleviate breast engorgement and discomfort in a breastfeeding client is to encourage frequent breastfeeding or pumping sessions. Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full of milk, causing them to become swollen, firm, and painful. By ensuring that the baby breastfeeds frequently, the client can effectively empty the breasts, which helps to relieve engorgement and discomfort. Encouraging the client to breastfeed on demand and ensuring proper latching can help prevent further engorgement issues. Pumping can also be useful if the baby is unable to feed directly from the breast or to relieve engorgement between feedings. This intervention addresses the root cause of the problem and promotes the client's comfort and breastfeeding success. Applying cold packs, using a supportive bra or breast binder, and administering oral analgesics may provide some relief for discomfort but do not address the underlying issue of engorgement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of a patient with diabetes mellitus showing symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, nocturia, and fatigue along with laboratory findings of hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and ketonuria is indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. The increased glucose levels lead to glycosuria, causing osmotic diuresis resulting in polyuria, polydipsia, and nocturia. The body starts breaking down fats for energy in the absence of sufficient insulin, leading to the production of ketones causing ketonuria. The patient may also experience fatigue due to the metabolic abnormalities present in DKA.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Upon clinical assessment, the nurse observes that the outstanding manifestation of the patient is edema. Edema is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling. Edema can be a sign of various health conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or injury. It is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause of edema promptly to prevent complications and provide appropriate treatment for the patient.