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: 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: When a postpartum client exhibits signs of wound infection, such as erythema, warmth, and purulent drainage from a cesarean incision, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately. Wound infections can lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed. The healthcare provider will assess the infection, possibly order further diagnostic tests, and determine the appropriate course of treatment, which may include antibiotics or additional wound care measures. Applying a dressing or irrigating the wound may be part of the treatment plan prescribed by the healthcare provider, but the first step is always to seek guidance from the provider.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse in the practice of her profession is guided by a code of ethics, which outlines the moral duties and professional responsibilities of nurses. The code of ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making and sets standards for professional behavior within the nursing profession. Nurses are expected to adhere to the principles of the code of ethics in order to promote the well-being and safety of their patients, maintain professional integrity, and uphold the values of nursing practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the case of Romy being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and undergoing palliative treatment, the most appropriate nursing action is to focus on providing relief from symptoms. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses by managing their symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and other side effects of treatment. As the cancer is advanced and the goal is not curative treatment but rather to keep the patient comfortable, symptom management becomes a priority to ensure Romy's physical comfort and well-being during this difficult time. Providing relief from symptoms is crucial in palliative care to help enhance the patient's quality of life and ensure they are as comfortable as possible.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A Likert Scale is typically used to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement with a set of statements or questions. Respondents are asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement using a scale that ranges from, for example, "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". This makes it a suitable tool for assessing the degree of agreement and disagreement among individuals on various topics or statements. While a Likert Scale can potentially measure other constructs such as satisfaction or acceptance, its primary purpose and most common application involve determining the degree of agreement and disagreement.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Since Nadine is just four years old, determining her favorite toys is not a critical aspect for Nurse Alma to consider in terms of routines and rituals. While knowing Nadine's favorite toys may help provide comfort or distraction, it is not as essential as ensuring proper feeding, sleep patterns, and toilet training for a young child's well-being and development. The focus should primarily be on aspects that directly impact her physical health, growth, and daily routines at this age.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Spondylosis is a condition characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, leading to narrowing of the disc space and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs). This degenerative process commonly occurs with aging and can cause symptoms such as neck or back pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Spondylosis is a common finding on imaging studies like X-rays and MRI scans in individuals over the age of 50 and is a natural part of the aging process of the spine.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is a type of thyroid cancer that arises from follicular cells of the thyroid gland. It often presents as a thyroid nodule that can cause symptoms of compression due to its enlarging size. The compression symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing and breathing in this case, occur when the thyroid nodule becomes large enough to press on adjacent structures in the neck. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy can confirm the presence of malignant cells with nuclear features typical of papillary thyroid carcinoma, further supporting the diagnosis.