A patient presents with sudden-onset severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. On examination, there is neck stiffness and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a pregnant woman presenting with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 8 weeks gestation with a closed cervix, the most likely cause of these symptoms is a threatened abortion. A threatened abortion is a common complication of early pregnancy characterized by vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain without cervical dilation. The cervix remains closed, indicating that the pregnancy is still intact but at risk of potential miscarriage. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester, whereas ectopic pregnancy usually presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in the setting of a closed cervix but is less likely at 8 weeks gestation. Gestational trophoblastic disease is a rare cause of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy and typically presents in the first trimester with signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, uterine enlargement, and elevated β-hCG levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea after consuming contaminated water from a stream during a camping trip suggest an infection caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that is commonly transmitted through contaminated water sources. Laboratory tests detecting oocysts in the stool sample are characteristic of Cryptosporidium infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best course of action in this scenario is to place a warm wet washcloth over Claudia's eyes for at least three minutes. This will help soften and loosen the dried crust, making it easier to gently clean her eyes and open them. Applying eye drops or ointment may not be effective if the crust is blocking her eyes completely. By using a warm wet washcloth, you can improve the ability to clean her eyes effectively and without causing discomfort.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In order to create a comprehensive education plan, the nurse must include all of the listed components.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The surgical procedure commonly performed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is called median nerve release or carpal tunnel release. During this surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is divided to relieve pressure on the median nerve, reducing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. The goal of this procedure is to improve nerve function and reduce symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

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: D

Rationale: Cor pulmonale is a condition characterized by right heart failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension, which is often caused by chronic hypoxemia. Chronic hypoxemia occurs in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where there is limited airflow in and out of the lungs, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood. However, the specific characteristic of pulmonary hypertension leading to right heart failure distinguishes cor pulmonale from COPD. Other conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and pulmonary embolism (PE) may also lead to hypoxemia but are not primarily associated with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure as in cor pulmonale.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most effective intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in bedbound patients at risk, such as those with advanced dementia, is to use pressure-relieving support surfaces like specialized mattresses or cushions. These surfaces help distribute the pressure evenly, reducing the risk of pressure ulcer formation on bony prominences. Turning the patient every 2 hours (choice A) can also help relieve pressure, but it may not be sufficient to prevent pressure ulcers in high-risk individuals. Applying barrier creams or moisture barriers (choice B) can help protect the skin but may not address the underlying issue of pressure on vulnerable areas. Administering prophylactic antibiotics (choice D) is not recommended for preventing pressure ulcers as it does not address the root cause of the problem and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the priority intervention should be to use pressure-relieving support surfaces to minimize the risk of pressure ulcers in