A patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the patient regarding calcium carbonate administration?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Calcium carbonate should be taken with meals because it requires the presence of stomach acid to be properly absorbed. Taking it with meals helps ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness as a phosphate binder in patients with chronic kidney disease. Administering calcium carbonate on an empty stomach may lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, bloating, and constipation. Taking it with a full glass of water is also recommended to help prevent potential gastrointestinal issues and to ensure proper hydration. Crushing tablets before administration is not advised unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider, as it can alter the drug's release and absorption properties.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary collaborative goal for the treatment of Ms. C should be to restore normal nutrition and weight. This is essential in addressing the potential health issues associated with anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by significantly low body weight and malnutrition. By focusing on restoring normal nutrition and weight, Ms. C can improve her physical health and overall well-being. Resolving possible dysfunctional family roles as an adolescent, increasing the desire to eat, and assisting her to increase feelings of control over eating are important aspects of treatment as well, but the most immediate goal should be to address the physical consequences of anorexia nervosa through restoring normal nutrition and weight.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation of recurrent episodes of sudden, severe vertigo lasting hours with nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus, along with unilateral weakness on vestibular function tests, is most consistent with vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis is characterized by inflammation of the vestibular nerve leading to sudden onset vertigo that can last for hours to days. It is often associated with nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus. Unilateral weakness on vestibular function tests indicates dysfunction of one vestibular system. Differential diagnosis for this type of presentation includes other conditions such as Meniere's disease, BPPV, and acoustic neuroma. However, the combination of symptoms and unilateral vestibular weakness makes vestibular neuritis the most likely diagnosis in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: It is essential for the nurse to document important observations made during a tracheostomy procedure, and this includes the amount, color, and consistency of sputum as well as the appearance of the incision. Monitoring these factors helps assess the patient's respiratory status, risk of infection, and wound healing progress. Ensuring detailed documentation in this area allows for timely intervention if there are any concerning changes observed post-procedure. Observations such as the response of the patient, vital signs during the procedure, and patient behavior are also important but may be documented separately from the specific details related to sputum, incision appearance, and wound care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A patient with a severe viral infection exhibiting reduced levels of circulating lymphocytes is likely due to the apoptosis of infected lymphocytes. When a virus enters the body, it can infect and replicate within lymphocytes, subsequently triggering the immune system to induce apoptosis in infected cells to prevent further spread of the virus. This process is part of the body's defense mechanism to control the viral infection. As a result, the circulating lymphocyte levels may decrease as infected lymphocytes are targeted for apoptosis. This phenomenon helps to limit viral replication and spread within the body, thereby aiding in the immune response to eliminate the virus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD, smoking cessation should not be avoided but instead strongly encouraged. Smoking cessation is a crucial component in managing COPD and improving lung function. Continued smoking can exacerbate COPD symptoms and hinder the progress made through rehabilitation efforts. Therefore, it is essential for patients to quit smoking while undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of the program and improve their overall lung health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Wearing a mask is an essential infection control measure to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. By wearing a mask, Nurse Emma can reduce the risk of inhaling or exhaling respiratory droplets that may contain infectious particles, thus helping to protect herself and the family members she is visiting. Masks are particularly crucial when interacting with individuals who are sick or when physical distancing may be challenging. While using gloves, face shields, and gowns are also important infection control measures in certain situations, wearing a mask is the most relevant and effective measure during a home visit to prevent respiratory transmission of infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Uterine hyperstimulation is a condition in which the uterus contracts too frequently or too intensely, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygenation to the placenta. This can result in maternal fatigue and decreased fetal oxygenation due to the lack of sufficient rest intervals between contractions. Uterine hyperstimulation can be caused by factors such as the use of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to induce or augment labor, uterine abnormalities, or maternal conditions like pre-eclampsia. It is important for the nurse to assess for uterine hyperstimulation in a woman experiencing frequent and intense contractions to intervene promptly and prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response when a patient expresses frustration with the healthcare system's inefficiencies is to listen actively to the patient's concerns, acknowledge the challenges they are facing, and offer support. It is important for the nurse to validate the patient's feelings and demonstrate empathy, rather than dismissing or ignoring their frustrations. By offering support and showing understanding, the nurse can help the patient feel heard and valued, which is an essential aspect of providing patient-centered care. This approach can also help to strengthen the nurse-patient relationship and build trust, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the patient's overall healthcare experience.