A patient with a history of multiple myeloma presents with weakness, bone pain, and recurrent infections. Laboratory tests reveal anemia, hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, and monoclonal spike on serum protein electrophoresis. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasm characterized by the presence of abnormal monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, which produce a monoclonal spike on serum protein electrophoresis. The clinical presentation of weakness, bone pain, and recurrent infections is typical of multiple myeloma. Anemia can result from bone marrow infiltration by the abnormal plasma cells, hypercalcemia is due to bone destruction and release of calcium, renal insufficiency can result from hypercalcemia and protein deposition in the kidneys, and the monoclonal spike in serum protein electrophoresis indicates the presence of a monoclonal protein. Waldenström macroglobulinemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia do not typically present with the classic tetrad of findings seen in multiple myeloma.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is characterized by bleeding within the subarachnoid space, the area between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater surrounding the brain. Patients typically present with a sudden-onset severe headache, altered mental status, and focal neurological deficits due to the mass effect of the blood in the subarachnoid space. Imaging, such as a CT scan, can confirm the presence of the hemorrhagic lesion. Ischemic stroke results from a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to tissue infarction and neurological deficits. Subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, commonly seen following head trauma. Intracerebral hemorrhage involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself, often leading to focal neurological deficits.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation described in the question – sudden-onset unilateral headache along with ipsilateral ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis – is characteristic of Horner syndrome. Horner syndrome is caused by disruption of the sympathetic nerve pathway and can occur in trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful condition affecting the trigeminal nerve commonly characterized by sudden and severe facial pain that can be triggered by various stimuli. The involvement of the sympathetic pathway in trigeminal neuralgia can lead to Horner syndrome symptoms such as ptosis (drooping eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), and anhidrosis (lack of sweating) on the affected side of the face. Cluster headaches usually involve severe unilateral pain around the eye, but they do not typically present with Horner syndrome symptoms. Migraine and tension-type headaches also do not typically present with Horner syndrome symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When providing health education to a patient, using clear and simple language is an essential aspect of effective communication. Medical terminology can be confusing and overwhelming for individuals without a medical background. By using language that the patient can easily understand, you improve their comprehension of the information being conveyed. Speaking quickly or using complex terms can actually hinder communication and may lead to misunderstanding. Clear and simple language helps ensure that the patient fully grasps the information and can make informed decisions about their health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best response for a nurse when a patient expresses dissatisfaction with the care they received during their hospital stay is to listen actively to the patient's concerns, apologize for any shortcomings, and offer to address the issues. It is crucial for healthcare providers to acknowledge the patient's perspective, validate their feelings, and work towards resolving any issues that may have contributed to their dissatisfaction. This approach demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to patient-centered care, fostering trust and effective communication between the patient and the healthcare team. Dismissing the patient's concerns (option A), ignoring their dissatisfaction (option C), or telling them that their concerns are unfounded (option D) can further escalate the situation and lead to a breakdown in the patient-provider relationship.