A patient with a history of chronic kidney disease presents with weakness, anorexia, and confusion. Laboratory tests reveal severe anemia, low reticulocyte count, elevated serum creatinine, and decreased erythropoietin levels. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The clinical presentation of a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presenting with weakness, anorexia, confusion, severe anemia, low reticulocyte count, elevated serum creatinine, and decreased erythropoietin levels is most consistent with renal failure-associated anemia. In CKD, the kidneys are unable to produce adequate amounts of erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production in the bone marrow. The decreased erythropoietin levels lead to a state of anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels and subsequent symptoms of fatigue and weakness. The anemia in renal failure is typically normocytic and normochromic. Additionally, the elevated serum creatinine in this patient is a hallmark of kidney dysfunction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The desired nursing action to help the pregnant patient make a decision on breastfeeding is to assist in identifying a breastfeeding goal and plan. When patients are indecisive about breastfeeding, it is essential for the nurse to support them in setting specific goals and creating a plan that aligns with their values and circumstances. This approach can help the patient feel empowered and confident in their decision-making process. Providing pamphlets and books (choice A) may be helpful, but personalized assistance in identifying a breastfeeding goal and plan is more likely to address the patient's individual needs and concerns. Providing ample time for the patient to decide (choice B) is important, but guidance and support in setting a clear goal can facilitate the decision-making process. Referring the patient to a nutritionist (choice C) may be beneficial for dietary concerns but may not directly address the decision-making process regarding breastfeeding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Periodontitis is the dental condition characterized by inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva (gums), periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It is usually caused by untreated gingivitis, where plaque buildup along the gumline leads to bacterial infection and inflammation, resulting in destruction of the tissues that support the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and other complications. Gingivitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the gums without involvement of the supporting structures, while dental caries refer to tooth decay or cavities in the enamel. Dental abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging frequent position changes, including the hands-and-knees position, is the most appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario. This position is known to help rotate the baby from a persistent posterior position to an optimal anterior position for delivery. The hands-and-knees position can help take pressure off the mother's back, alleviate back pain, and facilitate the rotation of the baby's head to engage in the mother's pelvis, thus promoting labor progress. It is a non-invasive and effective way to promote fetal rotation without the need for immediate instrumental delivery or intravenous analgesics. Continuous fetal monitoring is important for assessing fetal well-being but would not directly address the issue of posterior fetal position and the associated prolonged labor.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to have anticholinergic effects, which can lead to various cardiovascular side effects, including orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, and potential hypertension. While hypotension is a possible adverse effect, hypertension is more commonly associated with TCAs. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient for signs of hypertension, such as elevated blood pressure readings, to prevent any adverse outcomes and ensure the patient's safety while on this medication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described, with the patient having an acute exacerbation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis, the priority intervention to manage the metabolic derangements is to perform emergent hemodialysis for potassium removal. Hemodialysis is the most effective and rapid method to lower dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. It is crucial in cases of severe hyperkalemia where other measures such as medications or dietary modifications may not be sufficient or fast enough to correct the elevated potassium levels. Additionally, hemodialysis can also help in improving metabolic acidosis by removing waste products and excess electrolytes from the blood. Overall, emergent hemodialysis is the most appropriate intervention for managing the acute metabolic abnormalities in this critically ill patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The response indicating Annie's present condition would be option A. This is because the symptoms mentioned in option A, such as experiencing vertigo, nausea, and nystagmus when sitting, point towards a vestibular disorder. These are symptoms commonly associated with conditions like Meniere's disease or vestibular neuritis, which can cause balance issues and feelings of dizziness. These symptoms are more indicative of Annie's current health status compared to the other options which focus on past or unrelated issues, such as ear pain during travel or impaired hearing since birth. The information provided in option A gives a more direct insight into Annie's present condition, making it the most appropriate response.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Feces, urine, blood, and other body fluids are considered as vehicles of transmission in the context of communicable diseases. These substances can carry and transmit disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites from infected individuals to others. Through close contact or exposure to these contaminated body fluids, the pathogens can enter the body of another person and cause infection. Nurses like Nurse Keena must exercise caution and use appropriate infection control measures to prevent transmission of communicable diseases through these vehicles.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Activating emergency medical services (EMS) for rapid transport to a stroke center is the most appropriate action for managing a conscious patient with a suspected stroke. Time is critical in stroke care, and receiving specialized treatment at a stroke center as soon as possible can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. EMS providers are trained to recognize the signs of stroke and can begin essential pre-hospital care measures while en route to the hospital. Administering aspirin immediately is not recommended without medical evaluation, as certain types of strokes (such as hemorrhagic strokes) can be worsened by aspirin. Placing the patient in a supine position may not be ideal, as maintaining an elevated position can help prevent aspiration in stroke patients. Encouraging the patient to eat and drink is not appropriate, as swallowing difficulties are common in stroke patients and can lead to aspiration pneumonia.