A patient recently admitted to an acute care hospital is referred to physical therapy. The physical therapist documents the following clinical signs: pallor, cyanosis, and cool skin. These clinical signs are MOST consistent with:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The clinical signs of pallor, cyanosis, and cool skin are indicative of poor oxygenation and circulation, which are commonly seen in anemia. Anemia leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, resulting in pallor and cyanosis. Cool skin is a result of decreased blood flow. Cor pulmonale is related to right heart failure due to lung disease, not directly related to the signs described. Hypertension typically presents with elevated blood pressure, not the signs mentioned. Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating, which is not associated with the described clinical signs. Therefore, the correct answer is B (anemia) based on the patient's presentation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prevent pulmonary complications. Using an incentive spirometer post-thoracic surgery helps prevent atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion, improving ventilation, and clearing secretions. This intervention aids in maintaining lung function and preventing respiratory complications. A: Promote relaxation - While using an incentive spirometer may induce relaxation as a side effect, the primary purpose is not relaxation but rather to prevent pulmonary complications. B: Improve inspiratory muscle strength - Although using an incentive spirometer can help improve inspiratory muscle strength, the primary purpose is to prevent pulmonary complications. C: Reduce pain during breathing - While using an incentive spirometer may indirectly reduce pain by promoting optimal lung function, the primary purpose is to prevent pulmonary complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Silver sulfadiazine dressing. This choice is correct because silver sulfadiazine has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infection in deep partial-thickness burns. It also provides a moist environment for wound healing. A: Hydrocolloid dressing is not ideal for deep partial-thickness burns as it may not provide enough antimicrobial protection. C: Gauze dressing with saline is not the best choice as it can dry out the wound and may not provide adequate protection against infection. D: Transparent film dressing is not suitable for deep partial-thickness burns as it does not provide the necessary antimicrobial properties and may not allow proper wound healing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dry, cracked lips. Dehydration leads to decreased fluid volume in the body, causing dryness and cracking of the lips due to lack of moisture. Moist mucous membranes (choice A) are typically seen in hydrated individuals. Increased skin turgor (choice B) is a sign of dehydration, but dry, cracked lips are more specific. Bounding peripheral pulses (choice D) are associated with conditions like fluid overload or increased blood volume, not dehydration. Dry, cracked lips are a key indicator of dehydration due to the direct impact of fluid depletion on mucous membranes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nuchal rigidity. This is because nuchal rigidity, or neck stiffness, is a classic sign of meningitis due to inflammation of the meninges. It is often accompanied by headache, fever, and altered mental status. The other choices are not typically associated with meningitis. A Babinski sign is indicative of upper motor neuron lesion, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes can be seen in conditions like hyperthyroidism or upper motor neuron disorders, and asymmetrical pupils could indicate a neurological deficit but are not specific to meningitis. Therefore, nuchal rigidity is the most consistent finding in a patient with suspected meningitis.