A pregnant woman presents with vaginal bleeding and crampy abdominal pain at 22 weeks gestation. On examination, the cervix is dilated, and the amniotic sac is visible at the cervical os. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Incompetent cervix, also known as cervical insufficiency, is the most likely cause of the symptoms described. Incompetent cervix is a condition where the cervix begins to dilate and efface prematurely, typically in the second trimester, without contractions or labor. This can lead to painless cervical dilation and bulging of the amniotic sac into the vagina, which can cause vaginal bleeding and crampy abdominal pain. It is a leading cause of second-trimester pregnancy loss. Treatment may involve a cervical cerclage, a surgical procedure where the cervix is stitched closed to provide additional support.

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: 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: A

Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include in patient education about phosphate binder therapy is to "Take phosphate binders with meals." Phosphate binders are medications given to patients with chronic kidney disease to help control high phosphate levels in the blood. Taking phosphate binders with meals allows them to bind to the phosphorus present in the food, reducing its absorption in the body. This helps to lower blood phosphate levels effectively. Instructing the patient to take phosphate binders with meals ensures optimal binding of phosphorus from the diet, which is crucial for managing phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Leaving the side rails down is one of the most common occurrences that can lead to a patient fall. Side rails are important safety measures designed to prevent patients from falling out of bed. When the side rails are left down, the patient is at a higher risk of accidentally rolling out of bed and falling. It is crucial for healthcare providers to always ensure that the side rails are up and secure to help prevent patient falls.

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: A

Rationale: Troponin is the most specific cardiac biomarker for myocardial injury. Troponin I and Troponin T are proteins released into the bloodstream when there is damage to the heart muscle, making them highly indicative of myocardial infarction. Troponin levels rise within a few hours of cardiac injury, peak within 24-48 hours, and can remain elevated for up to 2 weeks. Troponin is considered the gold standard biomarker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction due to its high specificity and sensitivity for cardiac injury. In contrast, Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and myoglobin are also used in diagnosing myocardial infarction but are less specific than troponin. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is primarily used in heart failure diagnosis and management, and its levels are not specific to myocardial injury.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with acute myocardial infarction (MI) presenting with ST-segment elevation on ECG, the healthcare team should prioritize performing emergent coronary angiography for revascularization. This intervention, also known as primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), involves opening up the blocked coronary artery responsible for the MI. Timely reperfusion of the affected artery is crucial in reducing myocardial damage and improving outcomes in acute MI patients. PCI is considered the preferred method for revascularization in patients with ST-segment elevation MI, as it has been shown to be more effective and associated with better outcomes compared to fibrinolytic therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Conducting a staff meeting is the best strategy for Nurse Nena to give feedback on patients' evaluation of health services. This option allows for direct communication and interaction with the team, ensuring that feedback is effectively conveyed, discussed, and understood by all members. Staff meetings provide a platform for open dialogue, clarification of any concerns, and collaborative problem-solving. It also promotes team cohesion and shared accountability in improving health services based on patients' feedback. This approach encourages active participation and engagement from all team members, fostering a more effective and comprehensive response to the evaluations received.