A pregnant woman presents with recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. On examination, an abdominal mass is palpable, and bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ovarian torsion is the most likely cause of the pregnant woman's symptoms as described. Ovarian torsion occurs when the ovary twists on its pedicle, leading to compromised blood flow to the ovary. This can cause severe abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. On examination, an abdominal mass may be palpable due to an enlarged, twisted ovary. Bowel sounds may be diminished due to the effect of the torsion on surrounding structures. Ectopic pregnancy, threatened abortion, and placenta previa are less likely to present with an abdominal mass and diminished bowel sounds.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The clinical scenario described is consistent with a diagnosis of anterior epistaxis due to a prominent vascular lesion located in Little's area, which is an important site for nosebleeds. Silver nitrate cautery is the most appropriate intervention for managing this condition. Silver nitrate cautery is a commonly used method to chemically cauterize and eliminate the friable blood vessels responsible for recurrent epistaxis. It is a cost-effective and minimally invasive technique that can be easily performed in an outpatient setting. Nasal packing with anterior nasal tampons might be considered in cases of severe or refractory epistaxis, but in this scenario, where the source of bleeding is localized and identifiable, silver nitrate cautery is the treatment of choice. Endoscopic cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery and surgical excision of a nasal polyp are unnecessary and overly invasive for the described scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms described, including progressive weakness, muscle atrophy, fasciculations, dysphagia, and dysarthria primarily involving the upper and lower extremities, are classic features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. As the disease progresses, patients may develop difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and speaking (dysarthria). In contrast, Parkinson's disease primarily involves movement-related symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movements. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy that typically presents with ascending weakness and sensory abnormalities, often preceded by an infection. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle weakness exacerbated by

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Administering oxygen inhalation is the priority nursing action for a patient presenting with clinical manifestations related to endocrine disorders. Patients with hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and hypothyroidism can all experience respiratory distress due to various reasons such as thyroid storm, adrenal crisis, or myxedema coma. Oxygen inhalation helps improve oxygenation and tissue perfusion, providing immediate support to the patient's respiratory system. It is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation before addressing other assessments or interventions. Once the patient's breathing is stabilized, further assessments and treatments can be initiated as necessary.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions and offering empathy and support is the most appropriate response in this situation. It is important for the nurse to show understanding and compassion towards the patient, especially when they are feeling emotional about a recent diagnosis. By acknowledging the patient's emotions, the nurse can create a supportive environment that facilitates open communication and helps the patient feel heard and valued. This approach can also help build trust between the patient and the nurse, leading to better outcomes in terms of patient care and overall well-being. Ignoring the patient's emotions, telling them to stop being emotional, or changing the subject may make the patient feel dismissed or isolated, which could negatively impact their mental and emotional state. Thus, offering empathy and support is key in helping the patient cope with their emotions and navigate through their diagnosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sonography, also known as ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. In the context of a patient who is pregnant, sonography is commonly used to assess the well-being of the fetus. It allows healthcare providers to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, evaluate the placenta, amniotic fluid levels, and detect any abnormalities that may be present.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Upon clinical assessment, the nurse observes that the outstanding manifestation of the patient is edema. Edema is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling. Edema can be a sign of various health conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or injury. It is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause of edema promptly to prevent complications and provide appropriate treatment for the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Chest pain, dyspnea, hypotension, and ST-segment elevation on an ECG in the inferior leads are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction (MI). An acute MI occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage. This causes symptoms such as chest pain due to ischemia, dyspnea due to heart failure, and hypotension due to poor cardiac output. The ST-segment elevation seen on the ECG is indicative of significant myocardial injury. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial in acute MI to prevent further complications and to minimize damage to the heart muscle. It is important to differentiate an acute MI from stable or unstable angina or other cardiovascular disorders, as the management and prognosis vary significantly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Providing education on techniques to improve latch and milk transfer should be prioritized to support successful breastfeeding in this situation. Newborns who are macrosomic (large for gestational age) may have difficulties latching due to their size and may require additional support to effectively breastfeed. By educating the postpartum client on proper latch techniques and milk transfer, the nurse can help optimize the breastfeeding experience for both the mother and baby. This intervention focuses on addressing the specific concerns related to the infant's size and aims to promote successful breastfeeding despite potential challenges. As such, recommending supplemental formula feedings, encouraging the client to avoid breastfeeding, or immediately referring to a lactation consultant may not directly address the immediate need for support in improving breastfeeding in this situation.