A patient presents with watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea after consuming contaminated water from a stream during a camping trip. Laboratory tests reveal oocysts in the stool sample. Which of the following parasites is most likely responsible for this infection?

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: A

Rationale: The healthcare team should prioritize administering lactulose or other ammonia-lowering agents to manage hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with acute liver failure. Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in patients with liver dysfunction, leading to the accumulation of ammonia and other neurotoxic metabolites in the bloodstream. Lactulose works by acidifying the colon, which promotes the conversion of ammonia to ammonium, a less toxic form that can be excreted in the stool. By reducing the levels of ammonia, lactulose helps improve the neurological symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Using aseptic technique and sterile equipment during catheter insertion is crucial for minimizing the risk of infection during bladder catheterization. Aseptic technique involves maintaining a sterile field, washing hands thoroughly, using sterile gloves, and ensuring that all equipment used is sterile. By following these practices, the nurse can prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, reducing the likelihood of infection in the patient. While cleansing the perineal area with antiseptic solutions is important for general hygiene, the priority for infection prevention during catheterization lies in maintaining a sterile environment during the procedure. Administering prophylactic antibiotics is not routinely recommended for catheterization unless there are specific risk factors present.

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: A

Rationale: A normal thyroid state is referred to as euthyroid, which means the thyroid gland is functioning within normal parameters and the levels of thyroid hormones in the body are balanced. In contrast, hyperthyroid refers to an overactive thyroid gland, causing excessive production of thyroid hormones, while parathyroid is a different gland responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. Panthroid is not a recognized medical term related to thyroid function. Therefore, the best response to the patient's question about the normal thyroid state is "Euthyroid."

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The given patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is likely experiencing uremic bleeding diathesis. Uremic bleeding diathesis is a complication of CKD characterized by abnormal platelet function, leading to a tendency for bleeding. The presence of anemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), pale skin, easy bruising, and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels are all consistent with uremic bleeding diathesis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this situation is to assess the client's blood pressure and other vital signs. The client's symptoms of severe headache, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain could be indicative of preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. Checking the blood pressure and other vital signs will help determine if the client's symptoms are related to abnormal blood pressure levels, which is critical in identifying and managing hypertensive disorders in postpartum clients. Once the assessment is completed, appropriate medical interventions can be initiated promptly if necessary.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial to ensure that the autoclave is functioning properly to achieve proper sterilization of surgical instruments. If the autoclave is not reaching the required temperature, it signifies a technical issue that needs to be addressed promptly. The nurse should notify the sterile processing department immediately and request maintenance to investigate and resolve the problem. Continuing with sterilization without addressing the temperature issue can compromise the effectiveness of sterilization and pose a risk of infection to patients. Adjusting the settings on the autoclave or using an alternative method of sterilization are not appropriate actions in this situation.