A patient presents with sudden-onset severe headache, altered mental status, and focal neurological deficits. Imaging reveals a hemorrhagic lesion within the subarachnoid space. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is characterized by bleeding within the subarachnoid space, the area between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater surrounding the brain. Patients typically present with a sudden-onset severe headache, altered mental status, and focal neurological deficits due to the mass effect of the blood in the subarachnoid space. Imaging, such as a CT scan, can confirm the presence of the hemorrhagic lesion. Ischemic stroke results from a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to tissue infarction and neurological deficits. Subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, commonly seen following head trauma. Intracerebral hemorrhage involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself, often leading to focal neurological deficits.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is experiencing refractory hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation, indicating the presence of septic shock. In septic shock, systemic vasodilation and vascular hyporesponsiveness contribute to hypotension. Therefore, the primary management approach is to restore vascular tone and blood pressure to maintain organ perfusion. Administering vasopressor medications (Choice A) is the crucial intervention to achieve this goal. Vasopressors, such as norepinephrine or vasopressin, constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure, helping to stabilize the patient in septic shock. While options B and C (performing blood cultures and initiating broad-spectrum antibiotics) are important for identifying the causative pathogen and treating the infection, they are secondary to the immediate need for hemodynamic support in septic shock. Prophylactic anticoagulation (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Coordinating with radiology or gastroenterology for procedural guidance is crucial to ensure the success of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion. This procedure is typically performed under endoscopic guidance to ensure proper placement of the tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall. Radiology or gastroenterology professionals are trained to perform and guide the insertion procedure, making their involvement essential for a successful outcome. Additionally, their expertise helps minimize the risk of complications during and after the PEG tube placement.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: To create personal time as a nurse with rotating shifts, it is important to prioritize personal well-being and make time for oneself. By eliminating tasks that add no value, nurses can streamline their workload and focus on essential responsibilities. This can help in reducing unnecessary stress and allowing for more personal time outside of work. Delegating work to others and filling every moment with tasks or chores may not necessarily create personal time, as it can keep nurses constantly busy and overwhelmed. Hiring someone else to do the work may not always be feasible or practical in a nursing setting, but by eliminating non-essential tasks, nurses can better manage their time and have more opportunities for personal activities and self-care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Battery in the context of healthcare refers to the intentional and unauthorized touching of a patient. By applying a body restraint without a doctor's order, Nurse Edna has potentially committed battery against the patient. It is important for healthcare providers to obtain proper authorization before implementing any physical restraints on a patient to avoid legal liabilities such as battery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Periodontitis is the dental condition characterized by inflammation of the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene practices, leading to plaque buildup and eventually gum disease. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause serious damage to the gum tissue and the underlying bones supporting the teeth, which can eventually result in tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene habits, and professional cleanings are important for preventing and managing periodontitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The priority intervention to manage respiratory infection in a patient with VAP is the administration of appropriate antibiotics to target and eliminate the causative pathogens. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually initiated empirically to cover a wide range of potential pathogens commonly associated with VAP, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter species. Timely initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial in improving outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with VAP. Other interventions like endotracheal suctioning, oral hygiene measures, and early mobilization are also important in preventing complications and promoting recovery, but the primary focus should be on treating the infection with antibiotics.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A nurse can be charged with negligence when they give the patient the wrong medication. Negligence in healthcare typically refers to a situation where a healthcare provider fails to provide a standard level of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Giving the wrong medication can lead to serious consequences for the patient, including adverse reactions, worsening of the condition, or even death. It is a clear violation of the duty of care that a nurse owes to their patients, and such a mistake can have legal and professional repercussions for the nurse.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The palliative nurse should prioritize performing thoracentesis to drain the pleural fluid and relieve dyspnea in a patient with terminal cancer experiencing pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is a common complication in patients with advanced cancer and can cause significant respiratory distress. Drainage of the pleural fluid through thoracentesis can provide immediate relief by easing the pressure on the lungs and improving the patient's ability to breathe. This intervention is essential in managing dyspnea for comfort and quality of life in palliative care settings. Administering bronchodilator medications (option A) or recommending non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (option C) may not directly address the underlying cause of dyspnea in this case. While relaxation techniques (option D) can help with anxiety and overall well-being, they may not be sufficient in managing the physical symptom of dyspnea caused by pleural effusion.