enna is a 41-year-old female who presents to the emergency room complaining of sudden hearing loss. She is generally very healthyshe denies any significant medical history, and her only daily medication is a combined oral contraceptive. She does admit that she is just getting over a head cold, but other than that she offers no relevant history. A comprehensive history and physical examination results in a diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) of unknown origin. The AGACNP knows that the next step in the patients management should include

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acyclovir. The rationale is that sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) can sometimes be associated with viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that can potentially help treat the underlying viral infection causing SSHL. It is important to address the potential viral etiology before considering other treatments. Summary of other choices: B: Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and edema, not SSHL. C: Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, not indicated for SSHL. D: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is sometimes used for SSHL, but addressing any potential viral infection with Acyclovir would be a more appropriate initial step.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clonic stage. In eclampsia, the clonic stage is characterized by violent contraction and relaxation of the whole body due to generalized seizures. During this stage, rhythmic jerking movements occur. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Coma stage - In this stage, the individual is unconscious and not experiencing violent body movements. C: Premonitory stage - This stage includes warning signs like headache and visual disturbances, but not the violent body movements seen in eclampsia. D: Tonic stage - This stage involves sustained muscle contractions without relaxation, unlike the alternating contraction and relaxation seen in the clonic stage of eclampsia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Occipito posterior position. Forceps delivery may be indicated in this situation to help rotate the baby's head and facilitate delivery. Occipito posterior position can lead to prolonged labor and fetal distress, making forceps delivery necessary for a safe delivery. Incorrect choices: A: Cephalopelvic disproportion is not an indication for forceps delivery as it refers to mismatch between the size of the baby's head and the mother's pelvis. C: Breech presentation typically requires a different approach such as cesarean section rather than forceps delivery. D: Placenta abruption, a medical emergency, would not be managed with forceps delivery but rather require immediate intervention to prevent harm to both the mother and baby.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because radiation and substances of abuse are known teratogenic causes of congenital abnormalities. Radiation exposure can lead to genetic mutations and developmental issues in the fetus. Substances of abuse like alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs can also negatively impact fetal development. A: Medical conditions and pesticides may have negative effects on pregnancy outcomes, but they are not typically classified as teratogenic causes of congenital abnormalities. B: Prescription drugs can be teratogenic in some cases, but not all prescription drugs have harmful effects on fetal development. Chromosomes are not typically considered teratogenic causes. D: Disordered genes can lead to congenital abnormalities, but they are not classified as teratogenic causes. Medical conditions are not universally teratogenic.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for choice C: 1. Excessive molding or abnormal stretching of the fetal head can indicate neonatal intracranial injury due to the trauma during birth. 2. This feature suggests possible compression or trauma to the baby's head during delivery. 3. It may lead to intracranial hemorrhage or other injuries, requiring close monitoring and medical intervention. Summary of other choices: A. An oedematous swelling resolving in 48 hours is likely a normal finding (cephalohematoma) and not specific to intracranial injury. B. Notable bleeding between the epicranial aponeurosis & periosteum may indicate cephalohematoma or caput succedaneum, not necessarily intracranial injury. D. Peripheral cyanosis is related to oxygenation and circulation, not specific to intracranial injury.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: It is important to monitor blood pressure in pregnant women to detect preeclampsia, a serious condition that can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and early detection is crucial for timely intervention. Regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to identify and manage preeclampsia promptly, reducing the risk of severe complications such as eclampsia and organ damage. Anemia, preterm labor, and gestational diabetes are important aspects of prenatal care but are not directly related to the need for regular blood pressure monitoring in pregnant women.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein intake of 50 g daily. In hepatic encephalopathy, reducing protein intake helps decrease ammonia production. Excessive ammonia leads to neurological symptoms. Lactulose (choice A) is correct for hepatic encephalopathy as it helps eliminate ammonia through the gut. Spironolactone (choice B) is a diuretic and not indicated for hepatic encephalopathy. Zolpidem (choice D) is a sleep aid and not relevant to managing ammonia accumulation. In summary, choice C is correct because it directly targets the underlying issue of ammonia accumulation in hepatic encephalopathy, while the other choices do not address this specific concern.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the main aims of an exchange transfusion procedure are to control haemolysis (process of breaking down red blood cells) and restore hemoglobin levels. This procedure involves removing the baby's blood and replacing it with donor blood to prevent complications from severe jaundice or other conditions. Choice A is incorrect because exchange transfusion does not necessarily cure haemolysis, but it helps control it. Choice B is incorrect as the procedure focuses on managing specific issues rather than removing all toxic materials. Choice C is incorrect because it does not directly address the primary goals of an exchange transfusion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palpation of the abdomen. To diagnose obstructed labor, palpation of the abdomen is essential to assess the position and size of the fetus, as well as the presence of uterine contractions and fetal heart rate. Tenderness in the lower abdomen may indicate other conditions, not necessarily obstructed labor. Softening of the cervix is a sign of impending labor but not specific to obstructed labor. Therefore, palpation of the abdomen is the most appropriate choice for diagnosing obstructed labor.