A patient presents with swelling of the ankles, dyspnea on exertion, and orthopnea. An echocardiogram reveals decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and dilated left ventricle. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's presentation of swelling of the ankles, dyspnea on exertion, and orthopnea is highly suggestive of heart failure. The echocardiogram findings of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and dilated left ventricle are characteristic of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), also known as systolic heart failure. In this condition, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to symptoms of congestion and decreased cardiac output. The decreased ejection fraction indicates that the heart is not able to efficiently pump out blood with each contraction. Dilatation of the left ventricle is a compensatory mechanism in response to increased volume overload.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation of gross hematuria, flank pain, palpable abdominal mass, along with imaging findings of a large heterogeneous renal mass with necrosis and calcifications are highly suggestive of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. The presence of necrosis and calcifications are characteristic features of RCC. Imaging modalities such as CT scans or MRI can confirm the diagnosis by showing the typical features of RCC, including a solid mass with areas of necrosis and calcifications. It is important to further evaluate this patient, likely with a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease for appropriate management.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Incompetent cervix refers to a weakened cervix that is unable to support the weight of the growing fetus, leading to painless cervical dilation and second-trimester pregnancy loss. In this condition, the cervix may dilate prematurely without contractions, resulting in a painless cervical dilation. The history of recurrent second-trimester losses, along with cervical dilation and absence of uterine contractions in the presenting pregnant woman, are characteristic of incompetent cervix. Prompt recognition and management with cerclage placement can help prevent further pregnancy losses in women with incompetent cervix.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement that indicates the teaching goal has been met is when the client says, "The spray should be used round-the-clock at equally spaced intervals." This statement shows an understanding of how to properly use the decongestant nasal spray as instructed by the nurse. Using the spray round-the-clock at equally spaced intervals helps maintain consistent relief from congestion without the risk of overuse or rebound effects. This response indicates that the client has grasped the correct usage instructions for the decongestant nasal spray, which is the goal of the teaching.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Using professional medical interpreters is the best approach when communicating with a patient who speaks a different language. This ensures accurate communication and helps prevent misunderstandings that can have serious consequences for the patient's health. Family members or friends may not be fluent in the necessary medical terminology and could unintentionally misinterpret information. Relying solely on written instructions can also be risky as the patient may have difficulty reading or comprehending the information. Speaking loudly and slowly may come across as disrespectful and does not address the root issue of the language barrier. Professional medical interpreters are trained to facilitate effective communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that the patient receives the best possible care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The initial treatment goal for a patient like Mila is often focused on preventing infection. Infection prevention is a basic and essential step in patient care, especially for someone who may be at risk due to their medical condition or treatment plan. By preventing infection, healthcare providers can help ensure the patient's safety and promote successful outcomes for the overall treatment plan. Correcting hypoxia, metabolic acidosis, and increasing myocardial oxygen supply may be important goals as well, but preventing infection is usually prioritized as it can have serious consequences if not addressed promptly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rehabilitation prior to discharge is best described as a period of ups and downs, physically and emotionally because it involves the recovery process after an illness, injury, or medical procedure. It is a challenging time where the patient may experience setbacks and improvements on their journey back to health. There can be physical challenges such as regaining strength and mobility, as well as emotional challenges like coping with the changes in their condition. Therefore, the rehabilitation process is often not smooth and can be a rollercoaster of progress and setbacks, both physically and emotionally.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Medico-legal charts are typically stored for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to provide a comprehensive record of the medical care provided. This duration allows for potential future reference, follow-up treatment, or legal purposes that may arise within the specified timeframe. It is important to maintain these records for an extended period to protect both the patient's rights and the healthcare provider's accountability. Additionally, storing medico-legal charts for 10 years aligns with standard retention practices in the healthcare industry.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The importance of validation in the context of communication and nursing care does not include the assumption that most patients are cognitively impaired. It would be more appropriate to approach patient interactions with the assumption that patients are capable of understanding and coherent communication. Validation is important because it helps ensure that the nurse has truly understood the patient's message, prevents misinterpretation, and fosters a sense of empathy and trust in the nurse-patient relationship. Additionally, validating the patient's thoughts and feelings can help clarify confused thoughts and promote effective communication. The other options (A, C, and D) are all valid reasons emphasizing the significance of validation in effective communication.