A patient presents with urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia. On physical examination, there is enlargement of the prostate gland with a smooth, firm consistency on digital rectal examination (DRE). Which of the following conditions is most likely?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation of urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia along with prostate enlargement with a smooth, firm consistency on digital rectal examination (DRE) is classic for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common condition in aging men characterized by non-malignant growth of the prostate gland, which can cause varying degrees of lower urinary tract symptoms due to obstruction of the urethra. In contrast, prostate cancer typically presents with findings like an asymmetric, hard, or nodular prostate on DRE, while prostatitis presents with symptoms like fever, perineal pain, and systemic symptoms. Urinary tract infection (UTI) may present with dysuria, frequency, urgency, and suprapubic pain, but it does not usually cause prostate enlargement.

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: 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: B

Rationale: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most likely cause of the symptoms described in the pregnant woman. PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, typically caused by sexually transmitted bacteria like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. The classic presentation includes lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, cervical motion tenderness, and bilateral adnexal tenderness on examination. This condition can lead to serious complications if not promptly treated, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose and manage PID promptly, especially in pregnant women, to prevent adverse outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate nursing intervention in this case is to encourage the mother to walk to facilitate labor progression. The patient is in early labor with contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 45 seconds each, and her cervix is dilated to 3 cm. Encouraging the mother to walk can help gravity assist the descent of the baby and promote cervical dilation. Walking can also help alleviate some discomfort and encourage labor progression. It is important to promote natural, non-invasive methods to support the progress of labor before considering medical interventions such as oxytocin or cesarean section. Relaxation techniques can also be beneficial in managing pain during labor.