A patient with terminal cancer is experiencing dyspnea due to pleural effusion. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to manage the patient's symptoms?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The palliative nurse should prioritize performing thoracentesis to drain the pleural fluid and relieve dyspnea in a patient with terminal cancer experiencing pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is a common complication in patients with advanced cancer and can cause significant respiratory distress. Drainage of the pleural fluid through thoracentesis can provide immediate relief by easing the pressure on the lungs and improving the patient's ability to breathe. This intervention is essential in managing dyspnea for comfort and quality of life in palliative care settings. Administering bronchodilator medications (option A) or recommending non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (option C) may not directly address the underlying cause of dyspnea in this case. While relaxation techniques (option D) can help with anxiety and overall well-being, they may not be sufficient in managing the physical symptom of dyspnea caused by pleural effusion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is experiencing refractory hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation, indicating the presence of septic shock. In septic shock, systemic vasodilation and vascular hyporesponsiveness contribute to hypotension. Therefore, the primary management approach is to restore vascular tone and blood pressure to maintain organ perfusion. Administering vasopressor medications (Choice A) is the crucial intervention to achieve this goal. Vasopressors, such as norepinephrine or vasopressin, constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure, helping to stabilize the patient in septic shock. While options B and C (performing blood cultures and initiating broad-spectrum antibiotics) are important for identifying the causative pathogen and treating the infection, they are secondary to the immediate need for hemodynamic support in septic shock. Prophylactic anticoagulation (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important intervention for managing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a patient undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU is to start appropriate antimicrobial therapy targeting MRSA. Vancomycin or linezolid are commonly used antibiotics for MRSA infections. These medications are effective against MRSA and can help in treating the infection and preventing further complications. It is crucial to initiate antimicrobial therapy promptly once the diagnosis of VAP caused by MRSA is suspected or confirmed to improve patient outcomes. Other interventions such as bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnostic purposes, contact precautions, or antifungal therapy may be relevant but the priority is to start effective antibiotic therapy to target the specific pathogen causing the infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. In the shoulder, bursitis commonly affects the subacromial bursa, located between the rotator cuff tendons and the top of the shoulder blade. The inflammation of this bursa can lead to pain and restricted movement around the shoulder joint.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osteoarthritis in the hip joint can lead to weakness or dysfunction in the hip abductor muscles, causing a Trendelenburg gait. This gait abnormality is characterized by a dropping of the pelvis on the opposite side of the affected hip during weight-bearing on the affected leg. It is a common clinical manifestation of hip osteoarthritis due to the muscle weakness and altered mechanics in the hip joint. Baker's cyst is associated with knee osteoarthritis, Heberden's nodes are commonly seen in osteoarthritis of the fingers, and Swan-neck deformity is typically seen in rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.