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: The nurse's best response when a patient asks about alternative treatment options is to provide the patient with information about those options, including their benefits and risks. It is important for the nurse to support the patient in their exploration of different treatment approaches and empower them to make informed decisions about their care. Dismissing the question, ignoring it, or discouraging alternative treatments are not appropriate responses and may hinder the patient's ability to make choices that align with their values and preferences. Therefore, providing information and facilitating an open discussion about alternative treatments is the most appropriate approach for the patient's best interest.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Continuing Professional Development such as post-graduate study is the best strategy among the options provided for addressing short staffing in the hospital. By encouraging nurses to pursue post-graduate studies, Chief Nurse Cirila is investing in the long-term growth and development of her nursing workforce. Post-graduate studies can enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of nurses, making them more competent in their roles. This can lead to improved patient care outcomes, increased job satisfaction among nurses, and ultimately help in retaining and attracting talent in the hospital. Additionally, supporting nurses in their professional development can boost morale and motivation, which are crucial factors in addressing short staffing issues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Having a tracheostomy means that a patient has an artificial opening in their neck to help them breathe. Therefore, any issues related to breathing, such as blockages in the tracheostomy tube or difficulty in clearing secretions, can pose a major problem for a patient with a tracheostomy. It is crucial to monitor the patient's respiratory status closely and intervene promptly if any breathing difficulties arise to prevent potential respiratory distress or complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Morbidity refers to the state of being diseased or unhealthy, which is not directly related to population growth. On the other hand, fertility, mortality, and migration are three fundamental demographic variables that significantly influence population growth. Fertility refers to the ability of a population to produce offspring, mortality deals with death rates within a population, and migration involves the movement of individuals into or out of a particular area. These three variables play crucial roles in shaping the size and composition of a population over time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A dental abscess is a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the soft tissues surrounding the apex of a tooth root. This infection can result from untreated dental decay, trauma to the tooth, or periodontal disease. The abscess can cause pain, swelling, redness, and even pus formation. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess, removing the source of infection, and possibly prescribing antibiotics to address the infection. If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to serious complications and spread to other parts of the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Clients undergoing nasogastric suctioning are at highest risk for developing metabolic imbalances, specifically metabolic acidosis. Nasogastric suctioning can lead to the loss of gastric acid, which in turn can cause metabolic acidosis due to a decrease in bicarbonate levels in the body. This disruption in the acid-base balance can result in symptoms such as confusion, headache, and overall malaise. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the client's acid-base status closely and provide appropriate interventions to prevent or correct metabolic acidosis.

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: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation of recurrent fever, sore throat, cervical lymphadenopathy, leukocytosis with atypical lymphocytes, and positive heterophile antibody test (Monospot test) is highly indicative of infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family and is a common cause of infectious mononucleosis. The atypical lymphocytes seen on peripheral blood smear are reactive T lymphocytes responding to the EBV infection. The Monospot test detects heterophile antibodies produced in response to EBV infection.