A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) develops refractory hypoxemia despite maximal ventilatory support and prone positioning. Which of the following adjunctive therapies is most likely to improve oxygenation and reduce mortality in this patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with ARDS who is experiencing refractory hypoxemia despite maximal ventilatory support and prone positioning, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a potentially life-saving adjunctive therapy. ECMO works by providing temporary support for gas exchange outside the body, allowing the lungs to rest and heal while providing adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. The use of ECMO has been associated with improved oxygenation and reduced mortality in severe cases of ARDS, especially in patients who fail conventional therapies. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has not consistently shown mortality benefit in ARDS, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is not directly indicated for hypoxemia in ARDS, and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has shown limited benefit in improving oxygenation in ARDS without a clear impact on mortality.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Normal saline is the preferred solution for wound irrigation because it is isotonic and will not damage healthy tissue or delay wound healing. It helps to remove debris and pathogens from the wound, promoting a clean environment for healing. Sterile water can be used if normal saline is not available, but it may cause cellular damage if used in large volumes. Hydrogen peroxide and Betadine solution are not recommended for wound irrigation as they can be cytotoxic to the tissues and interfere with the wound healing process. It's important for the nurse to use evidence-based practice and follow recommended guidelines to promote optimal wound healing outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Uterine rupture is the most likely cause of these symptoms in a pregnant woman presenting with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, rigidity of the abdomen, and palpable fetal parts abdominally. Uterine rupture is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy, typically occurring during labor in women with a previous cesarean delivery or other uterine scars. The sudden onset of severe abdominal pain can be associated with vaginal bleeding due to the tearing of the uterine wall, causing fetal parts to be palpable abdominally. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. Ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian torsion may present with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding but would not typically present with palpable fetal parts abdominally in a pregnant woman.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Immunological memory is primarily maintained by the clonal expansion of memory B cells. Memory B cells are a type of long-lived immune cell that originates from previously activated B cells during an immune response to a pathogen. When the immune system encounters the same pathogen again, memory B cells can quickly recognize and respond to it by undergoing rapid clonal expansion and differentiation into plasma cells that produce specific antibodies. This quick and robust response leads to the more efficient elimination of the pathogen during secondary exposure, resulting in the faster and stronger immune response characteristic of immunological memory.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with severe abdominal pain due to end-stage pancreatic cancer, the priority intervention to manage their symptoms would be to provide adequate pain relief. Opioid analgesics are the cornerstone of pain management for cancer patients experiencing severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, thereby reducing the perception of pain. Opioids are highly effective in managing cancer pain, including abdominal pain, and can significantly improve the patient's quality of life by providing relief from distressing symptoms. Therefore, administering opioid analgesics should be the nurse's primary intervention in this case to address the patient's severe abdominal pain. Initiating enteral nutrition, recommending hot compresses, or referring to a gastroenterologist may be relevant interventions depending on the patient's overall care plan but addressing the pain should be the immediate priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nicotine, a substance found in cigarettes, is known to have harmful effects on pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to numerous complications, one of which is the increased risk of delivering a low birth weight infant. Low birth weight infants are born weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) and are at a higher risk of various health issues, developmental delays, and even mortality. Therefore, Nurse Emma advised the patient to quit smoking to reduce the risk of having a low birth weight infant.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of interdisciplinary collaboration in nursing practice is to improve communication and coordination of patient care. When healthcare providers from different disciplines work together as a team, they can share their unique perspectives, knowledge, and skills to develop comprehensive care plans that address all aspects of a patient's well-being. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the patient receives holistic and coordinated care, leading to better outcomes and patient satisfaction. Effective communication and coordination among team members also help prevent errors, reduce duplication of efforts, and promote efficient use of resources. Overall, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in healthcare settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Tipping Claudia's head back slightly helps in reaching the conjunctival sac easily. The conjunctival sac is a small space between the lower eyelid and the eye itself where eye drops are typically administered. Tilting the head back allows for better access to this area, ensuring the eye drops are delivered accurately and effectively into the eye.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The central theme of Sr. Callista Roy's theory is adaptation. Roy's Adaptation Model focuses on the individual's ability to adapt to internal and external stimuli in order to maintain health and well-being. The theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of the individual and their environment, highlighting the dynamic process of adaptation in response to stimuli. By focusing on adaptation, Roy's theory guides nursing practice in promoting holistic care that supports individuals in adapting to changes and achieving optimal health outcomes.