A patient with renal failure presents with confusion, seizures, asterixis, and a sweet odor to the breath. Laboratory findings reveal severe metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's presentation with renal failure, confusion, seizures, asterixis, and a sweet odor to the breath, along with laboratory findings of severe metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and elevated BUN and creatinine levels, is consistent with uremic encephalopathy. Uremic encephalopathy is a neurological complication of acute or chronic renal failure resulting from the buildup of uremic toxins in the blood, leading to various neurological symptoms such as confusion and seizures. The sweet odor to the breath can be attributed to the presence of urea, a waste product that accumulates in renal failure. Other metabolic abnormalities like hyperkalemia and severe metabolic acidosis are also common in renal failure. It is crucial to promptly recognize and manage uremic encephalopathy to prevent further neurological complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Regular health check-ups play a crucial role in the prevention, early detection, and management of health issues, especially for the elderly. By ensuring that the elderly receive regular health check-ups, healthcare providers can monitor their health status, detect any potential health problems early on, and provide appropriate medical interventions. This proactive approach can help protect the elderly from developing serious health issues or complications. Additionally, regular health check-ups can also promote overall health and well-being, allowing healthcare professionals to address any existing health concerns and provide necessary treatments or recommendations to maintain the elderly's health and quality of life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize using sterile technique during the tracheostomy tube change to ensure patient safety. Tracheostomy procedures involve a direct entry into the airway, making it crucial to prevent infection and reduce the risk of complications. Sterile technique, including proper hand hygiene, wearing sterile gloves, and using sterile equipment, helps minimize the introduction of pathogens into the patient's airway, reducing the risk of infection. By maintaining a sterile field, the nurse can protect the patient from potential harm and promote a successful outcome of the tracheostomy tube change.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Conducting a year-end performance evaluation of the staff is an example of a controlling function in management. Controlling involves monitoring and evaluating the performance of employees to ensure that they are working effectively and meeting the set goals and standards. By assessing the staff's performance at the end of the year, managers can identify areas of improvement, provide feedback, and make necessary adjustments to ensure the overall success of the organization. Hence, the process of evaluating staff performance falls under the controlling function of management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention. The presence of calf pain, swelling, and warmth in a postpartum client are concerning signs of a potential DVT. By notifying the healthcare provider immediately, appropriate diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound imaging, can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Timely treatment with anticoagulant medication can then be initiated to prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism. Applying warm compresses or encouraging ambulation may exacerbate the condition by promoting clot dislodgement, making immediate notification of the healthcare provider the most appropriate nursing action in this situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most effective treatment for addressing the underlying pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF) and preventing disease progression is the use of mucolytic agents, such as dornase alfa. CF is a genetic disorder that leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory tract. This mucus buildup can obstruct airways, lead to recurrent infections, and contribute to pulmonary exacerbations. Mucolytic agents work by reducing the viscosity of the mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. This helps to improve lung function, reduce the frequency of exacerbations, and slow down disease progression in CF patients. Inhaled corticosteroids may be used for managing airway inflammation, but they do not target the underlying mucus production in CF. Antibiotic therapy is important for treating respiratory infections in CF patients, but it does not address the primary

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best approach to address the patient's confusion about their medication regimen is to use a teach-back method to assess understanding and clarify any misconceptions. This method involves the nurse asking the patient to explain in their own words how they will take their medications, what each medication is for, and any potential side effects they should watch for. By using the teach-back method, the nurse can confirm the patient's comprehension and correct any misunderstandings in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. This approach promotes patient education, empowerment, and adherence to the medication regimen. Providing written instructions alone (Choice A) may not be sufficient if the patient has difficulty reading or understanding written information. Explaining the medication regimen using complex medical terminology (Choice B) can further confuse the patient, making it harder for them to grasp the information. Dismissing the patient's concerns and reassuring them that the medication is safe (Choice D) does not address the root of the issue and

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The patient has the right to demand that information, records, and communications pertaining to their care be kept confidential under the Right to Privacy and Confidentiality as outlined in the Patient's Bill of Rights. However, financial status is generally not considered part of the confidential medical information and may not fall under the same level of protection as personal health information. Therefore, the patient cannot demand that their financial status be treated as confidential under this particular right.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best approach to address non-compliance with prescribed medications and treatment plans is to actively listen to the patient's reasons for non-compliance. By acknowledging and addressing any barriers or concerns the patient may have, the nurse can work collaboratively with the patient to find effective solutions. This approach promotes open communication, trust, and a patient-centered care plan that takes into consideration the patient's individual needs and circumstances. Dismissing the patient's reasons (choice A), ignoring the non-compliance (choice C), or resorting to a confrontational approach (choice D) are less effective strategies that may lead to further resistance and hinder the patient's willingness to engage in their treatment.