A patient with a history of chronic liver disease presents with ecchymoses, mucosal bleeding, and altered mental status. Laboratory tests reveal prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen levels, and elevated D-dimer. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there is widespread activation of coagulation leading to consumption of clotting factors, resulting in prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen levels, and elevated D-dimer. This pattern matches the laboratory findings in the patient. In liver cirrhosis (choice A), there is a decrease in clotting factors synthesis, leading to prolonged PT but not aPTT. Hemophilia A (choice C) is a genetic disorder that affects specific clotting factors, typically leading to prolonged aPTT but not PT. Vitamin K deficiency (choice D) impairs the synthesis of clotting factors, leading to prolonged PT but not aPTT and low levels of factors II, VII, IX, and X.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Durable power of attorney. This legal document allows Mr. M to appoint his daughter as his healthcare proxy, granting her the authority to make medical decisions on his behalf if he becomes incapacitated. A: Expressed contract involves clear terms agreed upon by both parties, not relevant here. B: Implied contract arises from actions rather than explicit agreement, not applicable in this situation. D: A living will outlines an individual's medical treatment preferences, but does not grant decision-making authority to another person.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This autoimmune disorder results in chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid nodules and hypothyroidism. The colloid-filled spaces seen in the biopsy are characteristic of Hashimoto's. Choice B: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Choice C: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder unrelated to the thyroid. Choice D: Thyroid nodules is a general term and does not explain the presence of colloid-filled spaces.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Identify and count cases. In the initial stages of an outbreak investigation, it is crucial to identify and count cases to understand the scope and magnitude of the outbreak. By counting cases, Nurse Rona and her team can track the spread of the disease, identify common characteristics among those affected, and determine the extent of the outbreak. This step helps in guiding further investigation and control measures. Summary of other choices: B: Define and identify cases - While defining cases is important, it is not the initial step in outbreak investigation. C: Verify diagnosis - Verifying diagnosis is important but comes after identifying and counting cases. D: Prepare for field work - Field work is important in outbreak investigations, but it typically comes after the initial step of identifying and counting cases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Enhances the delivery of quality nursing care. Supervision and delegation are essential in ensuring efficient and effective healthcare delivery. By supervising and delegating tasks appropriately, the head nurse can ensure that staff members are performing their duties competently, which ultimately leads to improved quality of patient care. Supervision helps in monitoring staff performance, providing feedback, and offering guidance when needed. Delegation ensures that tasks are allocated to the right staff members based on their skills and abilities, optimizing the workflow. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of supervision and delegation, which is to enhance the quality of nursing care through effective oversight and task allocation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Justice. Nurse Erika is ensuring fairness by including all newly hired nurses in her project without discrimination. Justice in healthcare promotes equity and equal opportunities. Nonmaleficence (B) refers to the duty to do no harm, not relevant here. Autonomy (C) relates to respecting individuals' right to make decisions for themselves, not evident in the scenario. Respect (D) is important but not the primary ethical principle demonstrated here.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary reason for surgical repair of myelomeningocele is to correct the neurologic defect. This is because myelomeningocele is a type of neural tube defect where the spinal cord and its protective covering do not close properly. Surgical repair aims to close the opening in the spinal cord to prevent further damage, improve neurological function, and reduce the risk of complications such as paralysis and infection. The other choices are incorrect as they are not the primary goal of the surgery. Preventing infection (Choice A) is important but not the primary reason. Seizure disorders (Choice C) and hydrocephalus (Choice D) may be associated complications but are not the main purpose of the surgical repair.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a postpartum client complaining of persistent, heavy vaginal bleeding, the most appropriate nursing action is to assess vital signs and uterine tone. This is important to determine if the bleeding is within normal limits or if there is a potential postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) occurring. Monitoring vital signs can help identify signs of shock, while assessing uterine tone can help determine if the uterus is contracting effectively to control bleeding. Prompt assessment and early detection of PPH are crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. Encouraging increased fluid intake, applying a cold compress, and administering pain medication may be appropriate interventions in some situations, but assessing vital signs and uterine tone take priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Central retinal artery occlusion. This condition presents with sudden-onset, painless vision loss, cherry-red spot at the macula due to lack of blood flow, and attenuated retinal vessels. The cherry-red spot is due to the transparency of the fovea when there is ischemia in the surrounding retina. Central retinal vein occlusion (B) presents with sudden vision loss accompanied by retinal hemorrhages and dilated tortuous veins. Retinal detachment (C) typically presents with sudden flashes, floaters, and a curtain-like visual field defect. Acute angle-closure glaucoma (D) presents with severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, and a fixed mid-dilated pupil.