A patient receiving palliative care for end-stage liver disease experiences severe pruritus. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In end-stage liver disease, pruritus (itching) can be a distressing symptom caused by the accumulation of bile salts in the skin due to impaired liver function. Cholestyramine and other bile acid sequestrants are the primary treatment for managing pruritus in these patients. These medications bind to the bile salts in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and reducing the itching symptoms. Antihistamines may not be as effective for this type of pruritus since it is not histamine-mediated. Topical corticosteroids are generally not recommended for long-term use in liver disease due to the risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects. Avoiding hot showers or baths may provide some temporary relief but is not a definitive treatment. Therefore, prioritizing the prescription of cholestyramine or bile acid sequestrants would be the most appropriate intervention to address the severe pruritus in a patient with end-stage liver disease

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary intervention that should be prioritized for managing a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) associated with a central venous catheter is to remove the central venous catheter. CRBSI is a serious complication that can lead to severe infections and sepsis. The removal of the catheter is crucial to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent further dissemination of the pathogens into the bloodstream. Once the catheter is removed, the healthcare team can consider other interventions such as administering targeted antibiotics based on culture results, performing blood cultures to identify the causative organism, and implementing sterile dressing changes and catheter care protocols. However, immediate removal of the catheter takes precedence in managing CRBSI to prevent worsening of the infection and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The healthcare team should prioritize performing endoscopic hemostasis with mechanical or thermal techniques in a patient with acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring urgent intervention. This approach involves directly visualizing the bleeding site and applying methods such as clipping, coagulation, or band ligation to stop the bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis is considered the gold standard for managing acute GIB as it allows for both diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in real-time, offering a targeted and effective way to control bleeding and prevent recurrent episodes. Administering proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may help in reducing gastric acid secretion and promoting ulcer healing but is not the primary intervention for actively bleeding patients. Implementing strict bed rest may be necessary in some cases to minimize physical exertion, but it is not the primary intervention to manage acute GIB. Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma to correct coagulopathy may be necessary if

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: X-ray is the most commonly used imaging modality to diagnose fractures of the long bones, such as the femur or tibia. X-rays are readily available, fast, cost-effective, and provide detailed images of the bone structures. Fractures appear as breaks or discontinuities in the bone on X-ray images, making it an excellent tool for diagnosing bone fractures. In many cases, X-rays are sufficient to confirm the presence, location, and type of fracture, allowing for appropriate treatment planning. Other imaging modalities like MRI and CT scans may be used for further evaluation in complex cases, but X-ray remains the initial and primary choice for diagnosing long bone fractures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A discectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to decompress the nerve root by removing a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. In cases of herniated discs causing radicular symptoms (such as pain radiating down the leg), a discectomy can help alleviate the compression on the nerve, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient's condition. This procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is herniated or bulging out to relieve pressure on the nerve root, allowing for improved function and reduced pain. Spinal fusion, laminectomy, and foraminotomy are other surgical procedures that are not typically performed for the direct decompression of the nerve root in cases of herniated discs at a specific level like the L5-S1 level.