A patient presents with sudden-onset severe headache, vomiting, and altered mental status. Imaging reveals a hyperdense lesion within the brain parenchyma, suggestive of acute bleeding. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Intracerebral hemorrhage is characterized by bleeding directly into the brain parenchyma, leading to the sudden onset of severe headache, vomiting, altered mental status, and neurological deficits. The hyperdense lesion seen on imaging is caused by the presence of blood within the brain tissue. This condition is often associated with hypertension and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and managed. Subdural hematoma is an accumulation of blood between the brain and its outermost covering (dura mater), typically presenting with a slower onset of symptoms compared to intracerebral hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding into the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater (subarachnoid space), commonly caused by the rupture of an aneurysm. Ischemic stroke results from the blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority when a patient appears confused and disoriented during a consultation is to provide clear and simple explanations and assess for any underlying causes of confusion. It is essential to ensure that the patient understands the information being provided and to address any potential reasons for the confusion, such as medication side effects, medical conditions, or cognitive impairment. Ignoring the patient's confusion or assuming they cannot understand can lead to misunderstandings, errors in care, and ultimately jeopardize the patient's well-being. It is crucial to approach the situation with empathy, patience, and a focus on ensuring effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best response for the nurse in this situation would be to listen actively to the patient's concerns, acknowledge the lack of information, and offer to address the issue. It is important for healthcare providers to validate the patient's feelings and actively work towards resolving any issues that are causing frustration. By being empathetic and willing to address the problem, the nurse can help improve the patient's experience and build trust in the healthcare team. Dismissing or ignoring the patient's frustration can lead to further dissatisfaction and breakdown in communication. It is crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize open communication and address any concerns or lack of information promptly.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's presentation of excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue align with the classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The laboratory findings of hypernatremia (high sodium levels), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), and metabolic acidosis further support this diagnosis. In diabetes mellitus, the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or ineffective use of insulin by the cells (Type 2 diabetes). This leads to high blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and fatigue. The metabolic acidosis is a result of the body's breakdown of fats and proteins for energy due to the lack of glucose utilization in the cells.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland that causes gland destruction and release of pre-formed thyroid hormone leading to hyperthyroidism. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy findings of granulomatous inflammation and multinucleated giant cells are characteristic of subacute thyroiditis. This condition typically presents with a painful, tender thyroid gland and may be preceded by a viral illness. Unlike Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune disorder resulting in hyperthyroidism with diffuse goiter and positive thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins, subacute thyroiditis is typically self-limited and resolves spontaneously without the need for long-term treatment.