Chronic hepatitis C may be treated with

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of treating chronic hepatitis C, the correct answer is B) Interferon and ribavirin. Interferon and ribavirin are the standard antiviral medications used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Interferon helps the body's immune system fight the virus, while ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral replication. Option A) Sulfasalazine is not used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Sulfasalazine is primarily used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Option C) Metronidazole or ciprofloxacin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like hepatitis C. Option D) Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer but has no direct antiviral activity against hepatitis C. Educationally, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the appropriate medications for treating chronic hepatitis C to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms of action and appropriate use of antiviral medications like interferon and ribavirin is crucial in managing patients with hepatitis C effectively. Awareness of the ineffectiveness of other medications like sulfasalazine, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and acetaminophen in treating hepatitis C is vital to avoid inappropriate prescribing and potential harm to patients.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Delirium. Delirium is characterized by sudden onset confusion, disorientation, and sometimes combative behavior in older adults like Alex. It is often triggered by underlying medical conditions, such as infections or metabolic imbalances. Option B) Psychosis is characterized by a loss of touch with reality, hallucinations, and delusions, which are not mentioned in the case of Alex. Option C) Depression typically presents with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, which do not align with Alex's symptoms. Option D) Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks, not confusion and disorientation. Educationally, understanding the differences between these conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately assess and provide appropriate care for patients like Alex. Recognizing delirium promptly is essential as it can indicate an underlying medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent further complications. This case highlights the importance of thorough assessment and knowledge of geriatric psychiatry in medical-surgical settings.