A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypokalemia (low levels of potassium) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. This is because digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in the cell membrane. When potassium levels are low, there is an increased binding of digoxin to these pumps, leading to enhanced entry of calcium into the cells. This can result in an increased intracellular calcium concentration, leading to digoxin toxicity and potential cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, monitoring and correcting potassium levels is crucial in patients prescribed digoxin to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In delegation, facilitating the professional growth and development of a staff is necessary because it allows team members to gain new skills and experience, leading to overall improved productivity and job satisfaction. This empowers staff and helps them feel more engaged in their work, ultimately benefiting the entire unit. Effective delegation should aim to support individuals in their roles, encourage learning, and build competence, rather than modifying standards of care or only delegating tasks without considering individual growth. Starting delegation from top management to staff-nurse level may not always be practical or efficient, as delegation should be based on competencies and responsibilities. Accountability is indeed a crucial aspect of delegation, as individuals should be held responsible for the tasks they are delegated. However, without providing opportunities for professional growth and development, delegation may not be as effective in achieving organizational goals.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation of sudden-onset severe headache, vomiting, and altered mental status, along with the presence of a berry-shaped aneurysm on imaging, point towards a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The most common cause of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is the rupture of a saccular (berry) aneurysm, which commonly occurs at the junction of the anterior communicating artery and anterior cerebral artery. The sudden headache is often described as the "worst headache of my life" and is typically associated with nausea and vomiting. Altered mental status may be present due to the effects of increased intracranial pressure and possible associated brain injury. It is important to promptly diagnose and manage subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent complications such as vasospasm, rebleeding, and ischemic deficits.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Patients with pericarditis typically present with sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, changes in body position, and coughing. The pain tends to improve when the patient leans forward. This characteristic symptom of pericarditis is known as "pleuritic" chest pain. In contrast, stable angina presents as predictable chest pain that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest or medications. Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and is considered a medical emergency. Myocarditis involves inflammation of the heart muscle and may present with symptoms such as chest pain, but it does not typically have the characteristic of worsening with deep breathing or changes in body position.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ensuring the availability of emergency equipment and resuscitation medications is crucial to prioritize patient safety during a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) procedure. TEE involves inserting a specialized probe (transducer) into the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart. While complications during TEE are rare, they can include adverse reactions to sedation, esophageal injury, arrhythmias, or other cardiac events. By having emergency equipment and resuscitation medications readily available, the healthcare team can respond promptly to any unforeseen complications or emergencies that may arise during the procedure, ensuring optimal patient safety. Placing the patient in a supine position, providing sedation, and advising the patient to fast before the procedure are important aspects of the TEE process; however, ensuring emergency preparedness takes precedence in prioritizing patient safety during the procedure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cleaning the inner cannula daily helps prevent the accumulation of secretions and debris, which can lead to blockages and infections. It is an essential aspect of tracheostomy care to maintain the patency of the airway and prevent complications. Caregivers should be taught how to safely remove, clean, and reinsert the inner cannula as part of routine tracheostomy care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Participative Action Research (PAR), the core idea is to empower the community by involving them in the research process. By actively engaging community members in all stages of the research, they gain a sense of ownership and are empowered to take action based on the research findings. This approach ensures that the solutions generated are relevant, sustainable, and community-driven. Therefore, participation and engagement of the community is the step that will empower the community in PAR, unlike the other options where the focus is on external individuals or entities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Qualitative research data are typically in text form rather than numeric or statistical data. This means that the data collected through qualitative research methods are descriptive and usually presented in the form of words, phrases, or narratives. Qualitative data often involve subjective interpretations, opinions, and in-depth insights, making text a more suitable format for capturing these nuances compared to numerical or quantitative data. The focus in qualitative research is on understanding experiences, meanings, and perspectives, which are best conveyed through textual data.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows direct visualization of the inside of the airways in the lungs. It is considered the most definitive method to establish a diagnosis of lung cancer as it can directly visualize any abnormal growths or tumors in the bronchial tubes. During bronchoscopy, tissue samples can be collected for biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. This procedure is more accurate compared to other diagnostic methods such as chest x-ray, CT scan, cytological study of sputum, or magnetic resonance imaging in confirming a diagnosis of lung cancer.