A patient with a severe fungal infection demonstrates impaired neutrophil function. Which of the following cellular processes is most likely to be affected in this patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in immune defense against pathogens, particularly in phagocytosis - the process by which they engulf and destroy invading microorganisms. In a severe fungal infection, impaired neutrophil function would most likely affect their ability to effectively perform phagocytosis, leading to a compromised immune response against the fungal pathogen. This would result in increased susceptibility to the infection and potentially severe outcomes for the patient. Antibody production, cytokine secretion, and mast cell degranulation are important components of the immune response, but neutrophils are primarily responsible for phagocytosis in the innate immune system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a woman in active labor is experiencing intense pain and requests non-pharmacological pain relief measures, the nurse should prioritize providing continuous labor support. Continuous labor support, also known as a doula or labor companion, has been shown to be effective in reducing the perception of pain and improving labor outcomes. The presence of a supportive person can provide physical, emotional, and informational support, helping the woman cope with the pain and navigate through the labor process. This intervention can enhance the woman's overall experience of labor and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes without the need for pharmacological interventions. Administering opioids, performing epidural analgesia, or initiating nitrous oxide inhalation are pharmacological pain relief measures and may not align with the woman's preference for non-pharmacological options.

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: 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 salivary glands are responsible for the production of saliva, which aids in lubricating the oral cavity and initiating the digestion of carbohydrates. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestive process by breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. The liver is involved in the production of bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nurse Chona should explain to Patient Noel that the sign of negative before the word means that he is not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. This is a simple misunderstanding and clarification should help clear up any confusion. It is important to uphold patient confidentiality and respect their autonomy, rather than reprimanding the patient for looking at their own chart. It is also essential to address any discrepancies in the patient's medical record to ensure accurate information is documented for proper treatment and care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Risk management in a healthcare facility involves identifying, assessing, and minimizing risks to prevent potential harm to patients and reduce liability issues. A planned program of loss prevention and liability control falls under the umbrella of risk management. This program includes strategies to mitigate risks such as patient safety protocols, infection control measures, staff training, and proper documentation practices to minimize legal liabilities. By implementing risk management practices, healthcare facilities aim to provide safe and high-quality care to their patients while also protecting themselves against potential legal challenges.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder that results from a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein that plays a key role in platelet adhesion and the initiation of primary hemostasis. The clinical manifestations of von Willebrand disease include recurrent mucocutaneous bleeding, such as nosebleeds, easy bruising, and gum bleeding. Laboratory findings typically show a prolonged bleeding time due to impaired platelet function, while platelet count, PT (prothrombin time), and aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) are usually normal. This distinguishes von Willebrand disease from other bleeding disorders such as hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency), which would show abnormal PT and aPTT due to deficiencies in specific clotting factors. Thrombocytopenia, on the other hand, would be characterized by a low platelet count

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary intervention that should be prioritized for managing a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) associated with a central venous catheter is to remove the central venous catheter. CRBSI is a serious complication that can lead to severe infections and sepsis. The removal of the catheter is crucial to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent further dissemination of the pathogens into the bloodstream. Once the catheter is removed, the healthcare team can consider other interventions such as administering targeted antibiotics based on culture results, performing blood cultures to identify the causative organism, and implementing sterile dressing changes and catheter care protocols. However, immediate removal of the catheter takes precedence in managing CRBSI to prevent worsening of the infection and improve patient outcomes.