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

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms described are classic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Patients typically present with weakness, muscle atrophy, fasciculations (muscle twitching), and eventually develop difficulty swallowing and breathing due to involvement of the muscles responsible for these functions. Parkinson's disease (Choice A) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia but does not typically present with muscle atrophy or fasciculations as described in the case. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (Choice B) is an acute inflammatory condition affecting peripheral nerves, leading to ascending paralysis, which is usually reversible. Myasthenia gravis (Choice D) is an autoimmune disorder that affects neu

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient is unable to talk, the nurse can best communicate with the patient by using picture cards. Picture cards can help the patient convey their needs, feelings, or responses by pointing to the corresponding pictures. This method allows for effective communication and understanding between the patient and the nurse, even when verbal communication is not possible. It promotes patient autonomy and ensures that their needs are accurately communicated and addressed. Additionally, picture cards can be a useful tool in reducing frustration and anxiety for patients who are unable to communicate verbally.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Uterine rupture is a serious obstetric emergency that involves a tear or rupture of the uterine wall during pregnancy. In this scenario, the pregnant woman with severe lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and a tender, distended abdomen is showing signs consistent with uterine rupture. These symptoms are typically not seen with other conditions listed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Adenomyosis is a condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium (muscle wall) of the uterus. It can present with symptoms such as cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and infertility. On pelvic examination, the uterus may be retroverted (tilted backward) and enlarged due to the presence of adenomyotic nodules within the uterine muscle. Adenomyosis can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). Endometriosis, on the other hand, involves the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and can cause similar symptoms but is less likely to result in uterine enlargement or retroversion. Leiomyomas (uterine fibroids) are benign tumors of the uterine muscle and can also cause pelvic pain and abnormal uterine enlargement but are less likely to be associated with dysmenorrhea and infertility

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Normal saline solution is the best choice for cleaning Claudia's eyes with drainage. It is a sterile solution that closely matches the natural pH of the eyes, making it gentle and safe for ocular use. Normal saline can help flush out any debris or discharge in the eye without causing further irritation or complications. On the other hand, hydrochloric acid is a corrosive substance that can cause significant harm if it comes into contact with the eyes. Mineral water may contain impurities that could further irritate the eyes. Soapsuds solution is not recommended for eye cleaning as it can cause irritation and damage to the delicate eye tissues. Therefore, normal saline solution is the most appropriate and safe option for cleaning Claudia's eyes in this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rabies has a shorter incubation period if the bite is located on the hand. This is because bites on the hand are more likely to have direct access to nerve pathways, which can lead to a faster spread of the rabies virus to the central nervous system. In general, bites on parts of the body closer to the brain and spinal cord, such as the hand and face, can result in a quicker onset of rabies symptoms compared to bites on farther extremities like the leg or abdomen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) for anemia management, the parameter that should be monitored closely by the nurse is the hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels indicate the patient's response to ESA therapy and are essential in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment in addressing anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps ensure that the patient's anemia is controlled within the target range to avoid both the risks of under-treatment (resulting in persistent anemia) and over-treatment (increased risk of adverse outcomes such as hypertension, stroke, or cardiovascular events).

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nursing mothers should not wash their nipples with soap and water prior to feeding. Using soap can dry out the skin and potentially lead to irritation or cracking of the nipple, which can increase the risk of mastitis. It is recommended to simply clean the nipples with water, if necessary.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows direct visualization of the inside of the airways in the lungs. It is considered the most definitive method to establish a diagnosis of lung cancer as it can directly visualize any abnormal growths or tumors in the bronchial tubes. During bronchoscopy, tissue samples can be collected for biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. This procedure is more accurate compared to other diagnostic methods such as chest x-ray, CT scan, cytological study of sputum, or magnetic resonance imaging in confirming a diagnosis of lung cancer.