A patient with terminal cancer experiences dyspnea and anxiety. Which intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with terminal cancer experiences dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and anxiety, opioid medications are often prioritized by palliative care providers for symptom management. Opioids are effective in relieving dyspnea by acting as respiratory depressants and reducing the feeling of air hunger. Additionally, opioids have sedative effects that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Therefore, in this situation, prescribing opioid medications would be the most appropriate intervention to address both the dyspnea and anxiety symptoms simultaneously. Oxygen therapy, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises may also be useful adjunctive interventions, but opioid medications are typically prioritized for immediate symptom relief in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to sepsis in the ICU, the healthcare team should prioritize initiating continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) for renal replacement therapy. CVVH is a form of continuous renal replacement therapy that helps support renal function by removing waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood while providing hemodynamic stability. This intervention is crucial in managing fluid overload, electrolyte disturbances, and uremia associated with AKI in critically ill patients. It can also help improve overall outcomes and prevent further complications related to renal dysfunction in this setting. Administering diuretics, implementing fluid restriction, or performing a renal biopsy may not directly address the acute renal failure and may not provide the necessary renal support needed in this urgent situation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for managing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is to administer combination antibiotic therapy targeting the specific resistant pathogens identified in the patient's culture results. MDROs are often resistant to multiple antibiotics, so combination therapy is required to maximize the chances of effectively treating the infection. Identifying the specific pathogens causing the VAP through cultures is crucial in tailoring the antibiotic therapy to target these organisms effectively. Implementing appropriate antibiotic therapy promptly is essential to improve outcomes and prevent further complications in patients with VAP caused by MDROs. Option A is the priority intervention in this case to address the multidrug-resistant nature of the infection and provide targeted treatment for the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is experiencing severe hypoxemia refractory to conventional oxygen therapy, indicating a need for advanced respiratory support. When a patient with ARDS fails to respond to conservative management, including mechanical ventilation strategies, prone positioning, and recruitment maneuvers, the next step may involve extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO provides a way to bypass the lungs and oxygenate the blood directly, allowing for enhanced gas exchange and support for severely compromised respiratory function. Therefore, in this critical situation, prioritizing the recommendation for ECMO can offer the patient the best chance of improving oxygenation and survival.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Osteoporosis is a common complication associated with long-term use of corticosteroids in orthopedic patients. Corticosteroids can lead to bone loss by inhibiting bone formation and promoting bone resorption, resulting in decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. Therefore, patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, especially in high doses, should be monitored closely for osteoporosis and receive appropriate preventive measures such as calcium, vitamin D supplementation, and bisphosphonates to mitigate the risk of bone thinning and fractures.