A toddler is displaying signs/symptoms of weakness and muscle atrophy. The pediatric neurologist suspects it may be a lower motor neuron disease called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The client's family asks how he got this. The nurse will respond:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) This is a degenerative disorder that tends to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. This response is accurate because spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that both parents must be carriers of the mutated gene in order for a child to develop the disease. This genetic mutation leads to the degeneration of the motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in weakness and muscle atrophy. Option A is incorrect because SMA is not caused by ingesting bacteria from soil. Option B is also incorrect as SMA is a genetic disorder and does not resolve or "grow out of" on its own. Option D is incorrect as it describes a different condition, segmental demyelination disorder, which is not characteristic of SMA. Educationally, understanding the genetic basis of SMA is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to effectively educate families about the condition, its inheritance pattern, and potential implications for future pregnancies. By providing accurate information, healthcare professionals can support families in making informed decisions and accessing appropriate resources for managing SMA.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is C) Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. The symptoms presented by the patient such as fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, productive cough, and hemoptysis are classic manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis. Option A) Lung cancer is less likely in this scenario as the symptoms are more indicative of an infectious process rather than a malignancy. Option B) Pneumonia could present with similar symptoms but the chronicity and hemoptysis are more characteristic of tuberculosis. Option D) Pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden onset shortness of breath, chest pain, and can cause hemoptysis, but it is less likely in this case given the chronic nature of the symptoms. Understanding the clinical presentation of different pulmonary conditions is crucial for nurses to provide prompt and appropriate care. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis is essential for early detection and treatment to prevent further transmission and potential complications. Nurses play a vital role in identifying, educating, and supporting patients with tuberculosis, making this knowledge critical in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of caring for a client with heart failure experiencing pulmonary edema, the prioritized intervention should be to administer oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation (Option C). This is the correct answer because in pulmonary edema, there is a buildup of fluid in the lungs leading to impaired oxygen exchange. Administering oxygen therapy helps to increase oxygen levels, improving tissue perfusion and respiratory function, which is crucial in this emergency situation. Option A, administering diuretics to reduce fluid overload, is important in managing heart failure, but in the acute setting of pulmonary edema, addressing oxygenation takes precedence over diuresis. Option B, positioning the client in high-Fowler's position, can help with respiratory mechanics but does not directly address the immediate need for improved oxygenation. Option D, restricting fluid intake, is not the priority when the client is in respiratory distress and needs immediate interventions to support oxygen exchange. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind prioritizing interventions in acute situations like pulmonary edema is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. It highlights the importance of critical thinking, quick decision-making, and prioritization based on the client's condition and needs. By prioritizing oxygen therapy in this scenario, the nurse can effectively address the client's immediate physiological needs and stabilize their condition before addressing other aspects of care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: In responding to the patient's question about the cause of pernicious anemia, the nurse should explain that a decrease in intrinsic factor is the most likely cause. Intrinsic factor is a protein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach and is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed, leading to a deficiency and subsequent development of anemia. Option A, Ferritin, is a protein that stores iron in the body and is not directly related to the cause of pernicious anemia. Option B, Gastric enzymes, play a role in digestion but do not specifically impact vitamin B12 absorption. Option D, Erythropoietin, is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production and is not directly involved in the pathophysiology of pernicious anemia. Educationally, understanding the role of intrinsic factor in vitamin B12 absorption is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize and manage pernicious anemia effectively. This knowledge helps in explaining the disease process to patients and highlights the importance of appropriate treatment strategies, such as vitamin B12 supplementation or intramuscular injections in cases of intrinsic factor deficiency.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Immune insufficiency. A 5-month-old child with recurring respiratory infections indicates a compromised immune system, leading to an inability to effectively fight off pathogens. This condition can be attributed to various factors such as an immature immune system, genetic disorders affecting immunity, or acquired immunodeficiencies. Option A) Hypergammaglobulinemia, an elevated level of gamma globulins (antibodies) in the blood, would actually suggest an overactive immune response rather than immune insufficiency. Option B) Increased maternal IgG would provide passive immunity to the child, offering protection against infections rather than causing recurring respiratory infections. Option D) Decreased maternal antibody breakdown resulting in hyposensitivity does not directly correlate with the child's condition of recurring respiratory infections as it pertains to the breakdown of antibodies rather than immune insufficiency. Educationally, understanding the immune system's development in infants is crucial in recognizing and managing conditions like immune insufficiency. It highlights the importance of early detection, appropriate interventions, and the role of healthcare providers in assessing and addressing immunological disorders in pediatric patients.