Anne returned from carpal tunnel surgery. Her hand and arm must remain elevated above the heart after the surgery. She asks you why. You respond by saying

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) To reduce postoperative swelling. After carpal tunnel surgery, it is essential to keep the hand and arm elevated above the heart level to reduce swelling in the operated area. Elevation helps to promote venous return and decreases the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which in turn minimizes swelling and aids in the healing process. Option A) To reduce lymphatic drainage is incorrect because elevation actually helps to improve lymphatic drainage by reducing fluid build-up in the tissues. Option B) To restrict hand movements is incorrect as the primary purpose of elevation is to reduce swelling and promote healing, not to restrict movements. Option C) To decrease the possibility of nosocomial infection is also incorrect as elevating the hand and arm above the heart level is not directly related to preventing infection; proper hygiene and wound care are more critical in preventing nosocomial infections. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind postoperative care instructions is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide optimal care to patients. By knowing the reason behind specific interventions such as keeping the hand and arm elevated after carpal tunnel surgery, healthcare providers can effectively explain the importance to patients like Anne, ensuring compliance and promoting successful recovery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Passage of red or maroon-colored stool. Hematochezia refers to the passage of fresh blood in the stool, which presents as red or maroon-colored stool. This indicates lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Option A) Vomiting of bright red or maroon blood describes hematemesis, which is associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Option B) Passage of black, tarry stool describes melena, indicating digested blood in the stool from upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Option D) Coffee ground emesis is also related to upper gastrointestinal bleeding and not hematochezia. Educationally, understanding the different presentations of gastrointestinal bleeding is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it guides appropriate diagnostic and treatment interventions. Recognizing the specific symptoms can help determine the location and severity of the bleeding, leading to better patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Helping him identify triggers that cause asthmatic attacks and showing him how to avoid them. This response is the most appropriate because it focuses on asthma management through trigger identification and avoidance. By understanding what triggers the son's asthma attacks, the father can take proactive steps to minimize exposure to those triggers, thereby reducing the likelihood of future attacks. Option A is incorrect because asthmatic attacks can indeed be prevented or minimized through proper management strategies. Asserting that they cannot be prevented is inaccurate and may lead to a sense of helplessness in the father. Option B is incorrect as changing medication should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is not something that should be suggested without proper assessment and consultation. Option C is incorrect as moving to a dry climate is not a practical or evidence-based solution for preventing asthma attacks. Environmental factors differ from person to person, and triggers can exist in various climates. In an educational context, it is crucial to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage chronic conditions like asthma effectively. By teaching patients and their families about trigger identification and avoidance, healthcare providers can help improve the quality of life for those with asthma and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In wound care, using saline solution to clean a wound is the best practice. Saline is an isotonic solution that is gentle on the wound, helps to maintain a moist environment which supports healing, and does not damage the healthy tissue around the wound. It also helps to remove debris and bacteria without causing further harm. Using hydrogen peroxide (Option A) is not recommended as it can be cytotoxic to the wound bed, slowing down the healing process. It can also cause irritation to the skin surrounding the wound. Tap water (Option B) may contain impurities that can introduce infection to the wound. It is not sterile like saline solution. Option D suggests not disturbing a healing wound, but proper wound care involves cleaning to prevent infection and promote healing. Neglecting to clean a wound can lead to complications such as infection and delayed healing. Educationally, it is important for healthcare professionals to understand the principles of wound care to provide optimal patient outcomes. Teaching the correct methods of wound cleaning, such as using saline solution, helps to promote evidence-based practice and improve patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) CT scan showing plaque formation. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder characterized by the formation of plaques in the central nervous system. These plaques are areas of inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. By ordering a CT scan to visualize these plaques, the physician can assess for the presence of characteristic lesions indicative of MS. Option A) CBC showing a very low WBC count is incorrect because MS does not typically cause a very low white blood cell count. Option B) Endocrine function study showing a low growth hormone and high T3 and T4 is incorrect as it pertains to hormonal imbalances, not MS. Option D) Fasting glucose test showing a result over 300 mg/dL is incorrect as it would indicate uncontrolled diabetes, not MS. In an educational context, understanding the diagnostic process for MS is crucial for healthcare professionals. Ordering appropriate diagnostic tests based on clinical presentation is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. Knowledge of MS symptoms and diagnostic criteria enables healthcare providers to effectively differentiate MS from other conditions with similar presentations, leading to improved patient outcomes.