A patient receiving palliative care for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiences chronic cough and excessive sputum production. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to practice controlled coughing techniques would be the most appropriate intervention to address the symptoms of chronic cough and excessive sputum production in a patient with end-stage COPD receiving palliative care. Controlled coughing techniques can help the patient effectively clear respiratory secretions and improve airway clearance without the need for additional medications or interventions. This approach focuses on optimizing the patient's ability to manage their symptoms and maintain comfort, which aligns with the goals of palliative care. Administering bronchodilator medications, prescribing mucolytic medications, or referring the patient to a respiratory therapist for breathing exercises may have limited effectiveness in this advanced stage of the disease, and controlled coughing techniques would be a more practical and patient-centered approach to symptom management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to practice controlled coughing techniques would be the most appropriate intervention to address the symptoms of chronic cough and excessive sputum production in a patient with end-stage COPD receiving palliative care. Controlled coughing techniques can help the patient effectively clear respiratory secretions and improve airway clearance without the need for additional medications or interventions. This approach focuses on optimizing the patient's ability to manage their symptoms and maintain comfort, which aligns with the goals of palliative care. Administering bronchodilator medications, prescribing mucolytic medications, or referring the patient to a respiratory therapist for breathing exercises may have limited effectiveness in this advanced stage of the disease, and controlled coughing techniques would be a more practical and patient-centered approach to symptom management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone. One of the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism is a fine motor tremor, which is characterized by hand tremors or shaky movements in the fingers. This tremor is often more noticeable when the individual is trying to perform delicate tasks requiring fine motor skills. It is important for Nurse Rachel to watch for this symptom in patient Claire as it can impact her ability to perform daily activities and may require intervention or management strategies to help alleviate the tremor and improve quality of life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is at risk of falls due to an impaired gait, a physical therapist would be the most appropriate member of the multidisciplinary team for the nurse to collaborate with. Physical therapists specialize in improving mobility, balance, and coordination through exercises, gait training, and other interventions. They can assess the patient's gait pattern, strength, and balance, and develop a personalized plan to address the impairments contributing to the fall risk. By working closely with a physical therapist, the nurse can help the patient improve their gait and reduce the risk of falls, ultimately promoting safety and independence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with chronic kidney disease presenting with metabolic acidosis, the compensatory mechanism the body is most likely to employ to normalize pH is increased bicarbonate reabsorption in the kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance by regulating bicarbonate levels in the blood. In metabolic acidosis, there is an excess of non-volatile acids in the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH. To compensate for this acidosis, the kidneys increase the reabsorption of filtered bicarbonate ions from the renal tubules back into the blood. This process helps to raise the bicarbonate levels in the blood, which in turn helps to neutralize excess hydrogen ions and restore the blood pH towards normal levels. Hyperventilation (A) is a compensatory mechanism for respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis. Increased renal excretion of hydrogen ions (C) and decreased renal excretion of bicarbonate ions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The best response is to ask Ms. C why she is running and trotting around the room. This approach is empathetic and allows for open communication to understand her behavior. It is important to gather information before jumping to conclusions or making threats about changing her exercise program or eating habits. By showing concern and curiosity, you can address the situation in a supportive and constructive manner.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of a painful, vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution on the left thorax, specifically in a patient with a history of chickenpox, is most suggestive of herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate years later to cause shingles. The rash in herpes zoster typically progresses through different stages, including red patches leading to fluid-filled blisters. The characteristic rash typically appears unilaterally and is usually preceded by pain, burning, or tingling in the affected area. Unlike herpes simplex virus infection, which can cause similar lesions but is not typically localized to a specific dermatome, herpes zoster presents as a distinct unilateral cluster of vesicles along

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Colposcopy with biopsy is the most appropriate diagnostic test for evaluating a woman with suspected cervical dysplasia. Colposcopy is a procedure in which a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to examine the cervix for any abnormal areas. If abnormal tissue is identified during colposcopy, a biopsy will be taken to confirm the presence of cervical dysplasia and determine the severity. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition. Pap smear, although a screening test for cervical dysplasia, may not provide a definitive diagnosis and may require further evaluation with colposcopy and biopsy. Endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound are not indicated for evaluating cervical dysplasia specifically.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Pelvic ultrasound can detect fetal congenital defects, placenta previa, and fetal lung maturity.