During surgery, the nurse notices an abnormal heart rhythm on the patient's cardiac monitor. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action when noticing an abnormal heart rhythm on the patient's cardiac monitor during surgery is to assess the patient's vital signs and symptoms. This is important because the nurse needs to gather more information about the patient's condition to determine the significance of the abnormal rhythm and the potential impact on the patient's health. By assessing the vital signs and symptoms, the nurse can obtain a more complete picture of the situation and make informed decisions about the next steps in caring for the patient. Once the assessment is done, appropriate actions such as administering medication or notifying the anesthesiologist can be taken based on the findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario of a woman in active labor experiencing a prolonged second stage with inadequate expulsive efforts, the appropriate nursing intervention to facilitate fetal descent would be to apply fundal pressure. Fundal pressure, or applying pressure on the upper abdomen just above the uterine fundus, can help in directing the fetal head downwards and aiding in the descent through the birth canal. It is important to note that fundal pressure should be applied carefully and with proper technique to prevent excessive force that could potentially harm the mother or the baby. Encouraging the mother to push forcefully during contractions can be helpful, but the addition of fundal pressure can provide extra assistance in cases of inadequate progress. Immediate cesarean section may be considered if other interventions are unsuccessful or if there are concerns for fetal distress. Administering intravenous magnesium sulfate for uterine relaxation is not indicated in this situation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation of a pruritic, annular rash with fine scaling and central clearing, affecting the trunk and proximal extremities, following exposure to a new soap and laundry detergent is most consistent with tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm. Ringworm is a superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes that can present with circular or annular lesions with central clearing and scaling. The exposure to new soap and laundry detergent may have disrupted the skin's microbiome, making it more vulnerable to fungal infections like tinea corporis. Nummular eczema typically presents as coin-shaped plaques rather than annular lesions, while pityriasis rosea presents with a herald patch followed by smaller similar lesions in a "Christmas tree" distribution. Lichen planus would not typically be associated with exposure to new soap and laundry detergent but can have distinct purple, polygonal papules.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An adequate contraction pattern during labor is characterized by regular contractions occurring at a frequency of three to 5 contractions in a 10-minute period, with resultant cervical dilatation. This pattern indicates efficient uterine activity that is helping to progress labor by dilating the cervix. In option A, the contractions are occurring at an appropriate frequency and are resulting in cervical dilatation, making it the correct choice for indicating an adequate contraction pattern.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The scenario described in the question is most indicative of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Classic symptoms of endometriosis include cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and infertility. The presence of a "chocolate cyst" (also known as an endometrioma) within the ovary on pelvic ultrasound is a characteristic finding in endometriosis. These cysts are filled with old blood, giving them a dark, chocolate-like appearance on imaging. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) typically presents with irregular periods, signs of hyperandrogenism, and multiple small follicles on ultrasound. Ovarian torsion and ovarian cyst rupture would present with acute-onset symptoms and may not necessarily be associated with cyclic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea as described in the

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Providing education on techniques to enhance milk production and supply should be prioritized to address the client's concerns about milk supply and meeting the baby's nutritional needs. By educating the client on proper breastfeeding techniques, frequent nursing sessions, skin-to-skin contact, and the importance of staying hydrated, the nurse can help promote successful breastfeeding and potentially increase milk production. Supplemental formula feedings are not the first line of intervention, as breastfeeding should be encouraged, especially for a preterm infant who may benefit significantly from breast milk. Encouraging the client to avoid breastfeeding until the infant reaches full term is not appropriate, as breastfeeding can still be beneficial for a preterm infant. Referring the client to a dietitian for specialized nutritional support may be beneficial, but addressing milk supply concerns through education should be prioritized initially to support breastfeeding success.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient is experiencing severe hypoxemia refractory to conventional oxygen therapy, indicating a need for advanced respiratory support. When a patient with ARDS fails to respond to conservative management, including mechanical ventilation strategies, prone positioning, and recruitment maneuvers, the next step may involve extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO provides a way to bypass the lungs and oxygenate the blood directly, allowing for enhanced gas exchange and support for severely compromised respiratory function. Therefore, in this critical situation, prioritizing the recommendation for ECMO can offer the patient the best chance of improving oxygenation and survival.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Offering reassurance and encouragement to the patient demonstrates therapeutic communication by the nurse. In this situation, the nurse shows empathy and understanding towards the patient's concerns about the upcoming surgical procedure, which can help alleviate anxiety and build trust. Providing reassurance and encouragement can help the patient feel supported and understood, creating a positive and therapeutic interaction between the nurse and the patient. This approach fosters open communication and helps establish a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, which is essential for effective patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to painless vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. In the scenario described, the painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 34 weeks gestation with a closed cervix is classic for placenta previa. This condition is more common in the third trimester and can be diagnosed through ultrasound. It is important to manage placenta previa carefully to prevent complications such as severe bleeding, preterm birth, and maternal/fetal distress.