Mr. Mariano was on his way home from a party. Apparently, he got drunk and lost his balance and suffered a vehicular accident. Upon arrival at the hospital, the nurse noticed that his only injury is an open fracture of the left humerus. Which assessment finding by the nurse is critical?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this situation where Mr. Mariano has an open fracture of the left humerus, the nurse's critical assessment finding should be the status of the client's tetanus immunization. An open fracture poses a risk of infection, and tetanus is a concern due to the potential exposure to bacteria from the environment causing tetanus. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Knowing the client's tetanus immunization status will help determine the need for a tetanus booster to prevent this potentially life-threatening infection. Blood alcohol level, support systems at home, and voiding time are important assessments as well, but in the case of an open fracture, the priority is to assess the risk of tetanus infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A patient experiencing an exacerbation of COPD, especially due to an infection, requires a diet that is high in calories and protein. This is because during exacerbations, the body's energy requirements increase due to increased work of breathing and inflammation. High-calorie intake helps provide the necessary energy for breathing and healing. Additionally, a high-protein diet is important for maintaining respiratory and skeletal muscle strength, which can be affected during exacerbations of COPD. Therefore, a high-calorie high-protein diet would be most appropriate for Aling Maria to support her recovery and overall health during this period.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, resulting in fluid volume deficit. The posterior pituitary tumor in this case is likely causing decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine and retain water. This imbalance results in the loss of fluid, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client is fluid volume deficit, as the priority is to address the dehydration and restore fluid balance to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is characterized by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. If a client with SIADH does not comply with the recommended treatment of diuretic therapy and fluid/sodium restriction, there will be continued water retention, resulting in further dilution of sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia). Severe hyponatremia can lead to cerebral edema, which is a life-threatening complication associated with neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, seizures, and potentially coma. Therefore, it is important for the client to follow the prescribed treatment to prevent the development of cerebral edema and other serious complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Regular follow-up care is crucial after a thyroidectomy for Grave's disease to monitor the patient's thyroid hormone levels, assess for signs of complications such as hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism, and ensure appropriate management of any related conditions. Routine follow-up visits with healthcare providers allow for ongoing assessment and adjustment of medications, as well as addressing any concerns the patient may have post-surgery. By emphasizing the importance of regular follow-up care, the healthcare team can provide necessary support and guidance to the patient throughout their recovery process.