In order to determine the patient's ability to concentrate and focus, which would be the PRIORITY nursing action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the mental status of the patient is the PRIORITY nursing action to determine the patient's ability to concentrate and focus. This assessment includes evaluating the patient's level of alertness, orientation, memory, thought processes, and mood. By observing the patient's mental status, the nurse can gain valuable information about the patient's cognitive function, attention span, and ability to concentrate. This assessment will help guide further interventions and care planning for the patient. Asking for academic performance or conducting paper and pencil tests may be useful tools to assess concentration and focus, but they should come after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's mental status. Referring the patient to a psychiatrist may be necessary based on the assessment findings, but it should not be the first step in determining the patient's ability to concentrate and focus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurse Minda should alert the unit staff to closely observe the fan because the occasional sparking may be a sign of an impending issue that could lead to a more serious problem. By closely monitoring the fan, the staff can ensure the safety of those in the unit and take necessary actions if the situation worsens. It is important to address potential safety hazards promptly to prevent any harm or damage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the physician-specialist assessed the patient and determined that an immediate sonogram is needed for the medical condition. An intervention is a specific action taken in response to a medical need or condition. Ordering an immediate sonogram falls under the category of an intervention because it involves a timely and targeted diagnostic procedure to address the medical situation identified by the physician. The other options (A. Operation Room, C. Laboratory, D. CT scan) do not accurately represent the specific action of ordering a sonogram in response to the medical condition assessed by the physician.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of sudden-onset, painless vision loss in the right eye with a cherry-red spot at the macula and attenuated retinal vessels is classic for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). In this condition, the blockage of the central retinal artery results in severe ischemia of the retina, leading to rapid and profound vision loss. The cherry-red spot at the macula is a result of preserved choroidal circulation contrasting with the pale, ischemic retina. Attenuated retinal vessels are also commonly observed due to decreased blood flow. Prompt evaluation and management are critical in CRAO to potentially restore some vision and prevent further ischemic damage to the retina.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications commonly used in the management of heart failure. One of the therapeutic effects of beta-blockers is to decrease the heart rate. By blocking the action of adrenaline on the heart, beta-blockers help to slow down the heart rate, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve overall heart function. In patients with heart failure, a decreased heart rate is a favorable outcome as it can help improve cardiac output and reduce symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Monitoring the heart rate is an important assessment parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of beta-blocker therapy in patients with heart failure. Therefore, a decreased heart rate would indicate a therapeutic effect of beta-blocker therapy in this patient.

Correct Answer: E

Rationale: All of the statements (A-D) are true when discussing the testing of vision in infants and children separately from testing in adults. However, statement E is NOT true. The course of visual and cognitive development MUST be taken into account in evaluating infants and children's visual abilities. It is crucial to consider the stage of development a child is in when evaluating their vision, as their visual abilities can change rapidly during early childhood. Ignoring the course of development could lead to incorrect assessments and misunderstandings about the child's visual capabilities.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Administering oxygen inhalation is the priority nursing action for a patient presenting with clinical manifestations related to endocrine disorders. Patients with hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and hypothyroidism can all experience respiratory distress due to various reasons such as thyroid storm, adrenal crisis, or myxedema coma. Oxygen inhalation helps improve oxygenation and tissue perfusion, providing immediate support to the patient's respiratory system. It is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation before addressing other assessments or interventions. Once the patient's breathing is stabilized, further assessments and treatments can be initiated as necessary.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Macrophages are the primary cells responsible for producing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) during the acute phase response. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a critical role in initiating and propagating the inflammatory response. Macrophages secrete TNF-α in response to infection, injury, or other inflammatory stimuli, contributing to the recruitment of immune cells and the activation of additional inflammatory pathways. In the context of the acute phase response, macrophages are key mediators of the immune response and play a crucial role in host defense mechanisms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin K is essential for the production of several clotting factors in the liver, including factors II, VII, IX, and X. In a patient with chronic liver disease, impaired liver function can lead to decreased synthesis of these clotting factors. As a result, there is an underlying deficiency of these clotting factors, leading to prolonged PT (prothrombin time) and aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time). The mixing studies showing correction with normal plasma further support the diagnosis of a factor deficiency rather than an inhibitor, which helps in ruling out conditions like DIC or hemophilia.