A patient with a history of chronic liver disease presents with easy bruising and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts. Laboratory tests reveal prolonged PT and aPTT, and mixing studies show correction of coagulation times with normal plasma. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin K is essential for the production of several clotting factors in the liver, including factors II, VII, IX, and X. In a patient with chronic liver disease, impaired liver function can lead to decreased synthesis of these clotting factors. As a result, there is an underlying deficiency of these clotting factors, leading to prolonged PT (prothrombin time) and aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time). The mixing studies showing correction with normal plasma further support the diagnosis of a factor deficiency rather than an inhibitor, which helps in ruling out conditions like DIC or hemophilia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The element involved when a nurse initiates interpersonal communication is the sender. In the communication process, the sender is the person who initiates the message or information to be conveyed to the receiver. In this case, the nurse is taking on the role of the sender by initiating the communication with the patient, another healthcare professional, or any other individual. The sender is responsible for encoding the message and selecting the appropriate channel to convey it effectively. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse is the one initiating communication, making her the sender in the communication process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nurse Nilda immediately responds to any cry from her pediatric patients to attend to her patients who cannot communicate verbally. Crying is one of the few ways infants and young children communicate their needs and discomforts. By responding promptly to their cries, Nurse Nilda can assess and address potential issues such as hunger, pain, discomfort, or other needs that the child may have. This enhances the quality of care provided and helps in comforting and soothing the child, ultimately promoting their well-being and building trust between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a client experiences cardiac arrest, their breathing may become insufficient, leading to inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. With reduced CO2 elimination, the level of CO2 in the bloodstream increases, causing respiratory acidosis. This imbalance is characterized by a decrease in blood pH along with an increase in CO2 levels in the blood, resulting in an acidic environment. Respiratory acidosis is the most common imbalance seen in clients who have experienced cardiac arrest, as impaired gas exchange impacts the body's ability to maintain proper acid-base balance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ovarian torsion is the most likely cause of the pregnant woman's symptoms as described. Ovarian torsion occurs when the ovary twists on its pedicle, leading to compromised blood flow to the ovary. This can cause severe abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. On examination, an abdominal mass may be palpable due to an enlarged, twisted ovary. Bowel sounds may be diminished due to the effect of the torsion on surrounding structures. Ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortion, and placenta previa are less likely to present with an abdominal mass and diminished bowel sounds.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Triangulation is the technique that refers to the use of multiple referents to draw conclusions about what constitutes the truth. In the context provided in the question, Nurse Tarly is organizing a study to investigate the "Caring behavior of Staff-Nurses and Satisfaction of Women with Ostomy". By gathering data from various sources such as observation, interviews, and surveys, Nurse Tarly can triangulate the information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Triangulation helps to validate findings, enhance the credibility of the study, and provide a more well-rounded view of the issue at hand.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pressure injuries on the heels are a concern as they can develop quickly and lead to serious complications, especially in surgical patients who are immobile for extended periods. Applying pressure-relieving devices, such as heel protectors or foam dressings, can help alleviate the pressure on the affected areas and prevent further damage. These devices are designed to distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of pressure injuries. It is important for the nurse to address the issue promptly to prevent additional harm to the patient's skin integrity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention to alleviate breast engorgement and discomfort in a breastfeeding client is to encourage frequent breastfeeding or pumping sessions. Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full of milk, causing them to become swollen, firm, and painful. By ensuring that the baby breastfeeds frequently, the client can effectively empty the breasts, which helps to relieve engorgement and discomfort. Encouraging the client to breastfeed on demand and ensuring proper latching can help prevent further engorgement issues. Pumping can also be useful if the baby is unable to feed directly from the breast or to relieve engorgement between feedings. This intervention addresses the root cause of the problem and promotes the client's comfort and breastfeeding success. Applying cold packs, using a supportive bra or breast binder, and administering oral analgesics may provide some relief for discomfort but do not address the underlying issue of engorgement.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A discectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to decompress the nerve root by removing a portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. In cases of herniated discs causing radicular symptoms (such as pain radiating down the leg), a discectomy can help alleviate the compression on the nerve, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient's condition. This procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is herniated or bulging out to relieve pressure on the nerve root, allowing for improved function and reduced pain. Spinal fusion, laminectomy, and foraminotomy are other surgical procedures that are not typically performed for the direct decompression of the nerve root in cases of herniated discs at a specific level like the L5-S1 level.