A patient undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU develops ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's respiratory infection?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The priority intervention to manage respiratory infection in a patient with VAP is the administration of appropriate antibiotics to target and eliminate the causative pathogens. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually initiated empirically to cover a wide range of potential pathogens commonly associated with VAP, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter species. Timely initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial in improving outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with VAP. Other interventions like endotracheal suctioning, oral hygiene measures, and early mobilization are also important in preventing complications and promoting recovery, but the primary focus should be on treating the infection with antibiotics.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important intervention for managing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a patient undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU is to start appropriate antimicrobial therapy targeting MRSA. Vancomycin or linezolid are commonly used antibiotics for MRSA infections. These medications are effective against MRSA and can help in treating the infection and preventing further complications. It is crucial to initiate antimicrobial therapy promptly once the diagnosis of VAP caused by MRSA is suspected or confirmed to improve patient outcomes. Other interventions such as bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnostic purposes, contact precautions, or antifungal therapy may be relevant but the priority is to start effective antibiotic therapy to target the specific pathogen causing the infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. In the shoulder, bursitis commonly affects the subacromial bursa, located between the rotator cuff tendons and the top of the shoulder blade. The inflammation of this bursa can lead to pain and restricted movement around the shoulder joint.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osteoarthritis in the hip joint can lead to weakness or dysfunction in the hip abductor muscles, causing a Trendelenburg gait. This gait abnormality is characterized by a dropping of the pelvis on the opposite side of the affected hip during weight-bearing on the affected leg. It is a common clinical manifestation of hip osteoarthritis due to the muscle weakness and altered mechanics in the hip joint. Baker's cyst is associated with knee osteoarthritis, Heberden's nodes are commonly seen in osteoarthritis of the fingers, and Swan-neck deformity is typically seen in rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Following total hip arthroplasty (THA), patients are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to factors such as immobility, surgery-related vascular damage, and hypercoagulability. DVT refers to the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, typically in the lower extremities. These clots can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, monitoring for signs and symptoms of DVT is crucial in the immediate postoperative period to promptly detect and prevent the development of complications such as PE. Common signs of DVT include leg swelling, pain, warmth, and redness. Additionally, healthcare providers may employ preventive measures such as early ambulation, compression stockings, and anticoagulant therapy to reduce the risk of DVT post-THA surgery.