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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a viral illness few weeks before can trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) due to the body's immune response attacking the peripheral nerves. Encephalitis (B), severe bacterial infection (C), and meningitis (D) are not directly linked to GBS pathophysiology. Viral infections are known to precede GBS development, making choice A the most appropriate option.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A is the correct answer as it demonstrates therapeutic communication by encouraging Annie to express her feelings and fears. It shows empathy and understanding, allowing Annie to elaborate on her concerns. B is incorrect as it dismisses Annie's fears and implies blame on her parenting. C is incorrect as it focuses on the behavior of the children rather than addressing Annie's emotions. D is incorrect as it places the responsibility on the children to make Annie feel comfortable, rather than addressing her concerns directly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: IgA. In multiple myeloma, there is a proliferation of abnormal plasma cells, leading to a decrease in normal antibody production. IgA is the most abundant immunoglobulin in mucosal secretions and plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity. Therefore, a deficiency in IgA is common in patients with multiple myeloma. IgG is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the blood and is typically less affected in multiple myeloma. IgM is the first antibody produced in response to an infection and is less likely to be deficient in this case. IgE is primarily involved in allergic responses and is not typically affected in multiple myeloma.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is correct as keeping the ulcer covered with a sterile dressing provides a barrier against pathogens, promoting wound healing and preventing infection. A (topical antibiotics) can lead to resistance and disrupt normal flora. B (daily wound debridement) may introduce pathogens and delay healing. D (oral antibiotics prophylactically) is not recommended without evidence of infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: pulse rates. Pulse rates can be analyzed on the ratio level of measurement because they have a true zero point and allow for meaningful ratios to be calculated. This means that we can perform operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on pulse rate data. In contrast, the other options (A: eye color, C: ethnicity, D: gender) are categorical data that do not have a true zero point and therefore cannot be analyzed on the ratio level. Eye color, ethnicity, and gender are all examples of nominal data which only allow for qualitative classification and do not have a numerical value that can be used in mathematical operations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bright red and spurts with the heartbeat. This type of bleeding indicates arterial bleeding, which is oxygen-rich blood coming directly from the arteries. Arterial bleeding is bright red in color due to the high oxygen content and spurts with the heartbeat as it is under higher pressure. This rapid spurting is characteristic of arterial bleeding and requires immediate attention to control the bleeding source. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they describe characteristics of venous bleeding, not arterial bleeding. Venous bleeding is dark in color, flows slowly, and generally oozes as it is oxygen-depleted blood returning to the heart. Therefore, the correct answer is B based on the specific characteristics of arterial bleeding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial step before starting TPN is to evaluate the patient's tolerance to glucose. This is crucial to ensure the patient can metabolize the glucose effectively and avoid complications such as hyperglycemia. Assessing affordability (A) is important but not the immediate concern. Identifying allergies (C) should be done but is not the first step. Assessing the patient's understanding (D) is important but not as critical as evaluating glucose tolerance before starting TPN.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action in this scenario is to choose option C: put a line across the sentence, make the correction over it, and sign. This method is recommended because it maintains the integrity of the original record by showing what was initially written and clearly indicating the correction. By crossing out the error, making the correction, and signing the entry, the nurse acknowledges and takes responsibility for the mistake while ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the documentation. Option A is incorrect as crossing the error many times can make the note illegible and may not clearly indicate the correction. Option B is incorrect because using correction fluid can make the note messy and may raise suspicions of tampering with the record. Option D is incorrect as erasing with a rubber eraser can damage the document and also raise concerns about the validity of the information. In summary, option C is the best choice as it allows for a clear and professional correction without compromising the integrity of the progress notes.