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: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder that leads to hemolytic anemia in response to oxidative stress. The patient's presentation of fatigue, weakness, and jaundice along with laboratory findings of hemolytic anemia (evidenced by schistocytes), elevated LDH, and decreased haptoglobin are all characteristic of G6PD deficiency. The oxidative stress causes red blood cell destruction, resulting in the release of LDH and bilirubin, leading to jaundice. Decreased haptoglobin is seen due to its consumption in binding free hemoglobin released from the lysed red blood cells. Additionally, the presence of schistocytes on a peripheral blood smear is indicative of red blood cell fragmentation, a common finding in hemolytic anemias including G6PD deficiency

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An elevation of blood pressure would warrant stoppage of pills. High blood pressure, or hypertension, in a 4-year-old child is abnormal and needs prompt medical attention. Giving pills without monitoring or stopping them if blood pressure is elevated can lead to serious health complications. It is important to address the underlying cause of high blood pressure in a child, which may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by adrenal insufficiency, leading to a deficiency in cortisol and aldosterone production. The symptoms of Addison's disease include fatigue, weakness, hyperpigmentation of the skin (due to elevated levels of ACTH stimulating melanocytes), and salt craving (due to aldosterone deficiency). Low serum sodium levels and elevated serum potassium levels are also common laboratory findings in Addison's disease, as aldosterone plays a key role in maintaining electrolyte balance. Patients with Addison's disease are at risk of developing an adrenal crisis, which can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the situation described, where the client experienced a prolonged labor and instrumental delivery, there may be physical and emotional factors impacting breastfeeding success. A lactation consultant is a specialized healthcare provider who can assess the client's breastfeeding difficulties, offer individualized support, and provide guidance on techniques to overcome challenges such as latch issues, positioning problems, and milk supply concerns. Referring the client to a lactation consultant will help ensure that she receives expert assistance tailored to her specific needs, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful breastfeeding. This proactive approach focuses on addressing the root causes of breastfeeding difficulties and supporting the client in achieving her breastfeeding goals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient presents with gradual, painless visual field loss in both eyes, particularly in the peripheral vision, which is characteristic of glaucoma. The elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on tonometry further supports a diagnosis of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and typically presents insidiously with a slow progression of vision loss. In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye remains open but becomes less efficient over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. This results in peripheral visual field loss. Closed-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, presents more acutely with sudden eye pain, redness, and blurred vision due to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure from a blocked drainage angle. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy typically do not present with elevated IOP or peripheral visual field loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most effective treatment for addressing the underlying pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF) and preventing disease progression is the use of mucolytic agents, such as dornase alfa. CF is a genetic disorder that leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory tract. This mucus buildup can obstruct airways, lead to recurrent infections, and contribute to pulmonary exacerbations. Mucolytic agents work by reducing the viscosity of the mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. This helps to improve lung function, reduce the frequency of exacerbations, and slow down disease progression in CF patients. Inhaled corticosteroids may be used for managing airway inflammation, but they do not target the underlying mucus production in CF. Antibiotic therapy is important for treating respiratory infections in CF patients, but it does not address the primary

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Identifying the patient's stage of change is crucial when someone expresses a desire to be "detoxified" from a substance like marijuana. The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) outlines different stages individuals go through when making behavior changes. By identifying which stage the patient is in (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, or relapse), the nurse can tailor interventions and support accordingly. This approach helps ensure that interventions are effective and appropriate for the individual's readiness for change. It is important to meet the patient where they are in their journey towards detoxification and offer support and guidance accordingly.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is not important for Myra to listen to the tape recordings only when she feels motivated or productive. In a nurse-patient interaction relationship, listening to tape recordings promptly (Choice A) is crucial because it ensures that any important information or cues are not missed or forgotten. Additionally, noting voice tone and inflection (Choice B) and observing pauses (Choice D) are essential for understanding the nuances and emotions conveyed during the interaction, which can be crucial in effective communication. Listening based on motivation may lead to delays and hamper the timely analysis and understanding of the interactions. Hence, it is important for Myra to prioritize active and focused listening to the tape recordings, regardless of her current motivation levels.