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: C

Rationale: Dendritic cells play a critical role in initiating adaptive immune responses by capturing antigens from pathogens, migrating to lymphoid organs, and presenting these antigens to naïve T cells. This activation of naïve T cells by dendritic cells is essential for the adaptive immune system to generate specific immune responses against pathogens. Dendritic cells act as professional antigen-presenting cells, which are specialized to capture, process, and present antigens to T cells, thereby facilitating the activation of T cells and the coordination of adaptive immune responses, such as the production of specific antibodies and the generation of memory T cells.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The presentation of sudden-onset severe headache, vomiting, and altered mental status, along with the presence of a berry-shaped aneurysm on imaging, point towards a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The most common cause of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is the rupture of a saccular (berry) aneurysm, which commonly occurs at the junction of the anterior communicating artery and anterior cerebral artery. The sudden headache is often described as the "worst headache of my life" and is typically associated with nausea and vomiting. Altered mental status may be present due to the effects of increased intracranial pressure and possible associated brain injury. It is important to promptly diagnose and manage subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent complications such as vasospasm, rebleeding, and ischemic deficits.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A woman experiencing irregular and ineffective uterine contractions with prolonged cervical dilation may indicate labor dystocia, also known as abnormal labor progression. To address this issue, the nursing intervention that should be implemented is to encourage the mother to ambulate and change positions frequently. This can help optimize fetal positioning and encourage descent through the birth canal by using gravity to aid in the progression of labor. Changing positions can also potentially improve the quality and effectiveness of contractions, leading to more successful cervical dilation and labor progress. Encouraging ambulation and position changes are non-invasive, patient-centered interventions that can be helpful in managing labor dystocia before considering more invasive interventions like cesarean section.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: One of the main consequences of hypoxemia, which is low oxygen levels in the blood, is decreased oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are bound to oxygen. When there is insufficient oxygen in the blood due to hypoxemia, the oxygen saturation levels will drop. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, rapid heart rate, and ultimately can result in tissue damage if not corrected promptly. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is crucial in the immediate post-operative phase to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation for the patient's recovery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: NSAIDs are known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal complications, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforation. This risk is higher in patients who are elderly, have a history of peptic ulcer disease, are taking high doses of NSAIDs, or are using them for a prolonged period. It is important for the nurse to closely monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as abdominal pain, black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, and anemia. Prompt identification and management of these complications are essential to prevent serious consequences. Monitoring for gastrointestinal adverse effects is crucial when a patient is prescribed NSAIDs for managing conditions like osteoarthritis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common surgical procedure performed to repair a torn ACL. This procedure involves replacing the damaged ACL with a graft, often using a portion of the patient's own patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or an allograft (donor tissue). ACL reconstruction is typically indicated for patients with ACL tears that result in knee instability and functional limitations, especially in active individuals who participate in sports or activities requiring pivoting and cutting movements. Arthroscopic surgery is commonly used to perform ACL reconstruction, allowing for smaller incisions and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries. Post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial components of the recovery process following ACL reconstruction surgery to optimize outcomes and return to pre-injury activity levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Of the options provided, documenting objective, observable findings such as large bruises on the thigh upon assessment is the most defensible entry in court. This type of entry is based on the nurse's direct observation and assessment of the patient's physical condition, which can be corroborated by other healthcare providers or evidence. It provides clear, factual information without making assumptions or subjective judgments. In court, this type of documentation can help support the nurse's credibility and reliability as a witness.

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.