A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which assessment finding indicates a therapeutic effect of beta-blocker therapy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications commonly used in the management of heart failure. One of the therapeutic effects of beta-blockers is to decrease the heart rate. By blocking the action of adrenaline on the heart, beta-blockers help to slow down the heart rate, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve overall heart function. In patients with heart failure, a decreased heart rate is a favorable outcome as it can help improve cardiac output and reduce symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Monitoring the heart rate is an important assessment parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of beta-blocker therapy in patients with heart failure. Therefore, a decreased heart rate would indicate a therapeutic effect of beta-blocker therapy in this patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation described, including a well-demarcated, hyperpigmented patch with irregular borders, asymmetric color distribution, and increase in size over a short period, is concerning for melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. The irregular borders, color variation, and growth over time are classic signs of melanoma. Melanomas are potentially dangerous and should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is important to distinguish melanoma from other benign lesions like melanocytic nevus (mole), lentigo simplex, and seborrheic keratosis, as early detection and treatment of melanoma can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, issuing a permit for the opening of nursing programs in the country. The PRC-Board of Nursing (PR-BON) in the Philippines primarily focuses on regulating nursing practice and ensuring the quality and standards of nursing care provided in the country. While they have the authority to oversee aspects such as certification of registered nurses, enforcing quality standards, and monitoring proper conduct of nurses, the responsibility of issuing permits for the opening of nursing programs typically falls under the jurisdiction of other relevant educational or accrediting bodies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurse Minda should alert the unit staff to closely observe the fan because the occasional sparking may be a sign of an impending issue that could lead to a more serious problem. By closely monitoring the fan, the staff can ensure the safety of those in the unit and take necessary actions if the situation worsens. It is important to address potential safety hazards promptly to prevent any harm or damage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most common symptom of scabies that the family would report to Nurse Emma is itchiness. Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin and lays eggs, leading to intense itching, especially at night. The itching is a result of the body's allergic reaction to the mites and their waste products. While rashes, scaling, and swelling can also occur with scabies, the hallmark and most bothersome symptom experienced by individuals with scabies is the intense itchiness, making it the most common symptom reported by affected individuals or their families during the history-taking process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The barrier to goal setting between the nurse and the family in this scenario is the failure of the family to perceive the existence of the problem. Goal setting in healthcare generally requires mutual agreement and understanding between the healthcare provider (nurse) and the patient/family. If the family does not perceive that there is an existing problem that needs to be addressed, there will likely be resistance or lack of motivation to set goals and work towards resolving the issue. This barrier can hinder effective communication, collaboration, and ultimately, the successful achievement of healthcare goals. It is important for the nurse to address this barrier through education, communication, and building trust to ensure that all parties are on the same page and actively participate in goal setting and care planning.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury that is characterized by hypoxemia, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. When managing a patient with ARDS in the ICU, the priority intervention is to provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is often necessary to support gas exchange in these patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Allowing people's participation to confirm the health problems would yield better results in facilitating the recognition of the community's health issues. By involving the community members themselves in the process of identifying and acknowledging their health problems, there is a higher likelihood of garnering accurate and relevant information. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among the community members, making them more likely to actively engage in addressing the identified health concerns. Additionally, community participation can help build trust between the nurse and the residents, leading to more effective communication and collaboration in improving overall health outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize ensuring proper zeroing and calibration of the ICP monitoring system to ensure procedural accuracy and reliability of the measurements obtained. Proper zeroing involves setting the transducer at the level of the patient's external auditory meatus (ear), which serves as a reference point for accurate ICP readings. Calibration is necessary to establish accurate pressure measurements. Incorrect zeroing or calibration can lead to inaccurate ICP readings, which can impact clinical decision-making for patients with traumatic brain injury. Positioning the patient in a high-Fowler's position, administering prophylactic antibiotics, or placing the ICP monitor in the subarachnoid space via lumbar puncture are not directly related to ensuring the accuracy of the ICP monitoring procedure.