The healthcare provider in the outpatient clinic has obtained health histories for these new patients. Which patient may need referral for genetic testing?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The patient with a sibling having newly diagnosed polycystic kidney disease may need a referral for genetic testing. Polycystic kidney disease has a genetic component, so there is a higher likelihood of the patient also having the condition. Referral for genetic testing can help in early diagnosis, management, and counseling for the patient and their family members. Choice A is incorrect because strokes in maternal grandparents at advanced ages are not typically indicative of a need for genetic testing. Choice B is incorrect as cerebral palsy is not typically a genetic condition related to the patient's pregnancy test result. Choice D is incorrect as dyspnea in a smoking patient is more likely related to respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rather than a genetic condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased ammonia levels. In hepatic encephalopathy, the liver is unable to metabolize ammonia into urea, leading to increased ammonia levels in the blood. A low-protein diet helps reduce ammonia production in the gut, thereby decreasing ammonia levels in the blood and improving symptoms. Hyperglycemia (A) and hypoglycemia (B) are not directly related to the rationale for a low-protein diet in hepatic encephalopathy. Electrolyte imbalance (D) is not specifically addressed by a low-protein diet in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, administering prescribed opioid analgesics. This intervention is appropriate for severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis as opioids are effective in managing pain. Encouraging oral intake (A) can worsen symptoms, a supine position (B) can exacerbate pain, and a heating pad (D) can aggravate inflammation. Administering opioid analgesics provides direct pain relief and is the most effective intervention for alleviating severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nausea and vomiting. This finding requires immediate intervention because digoxin toxicity can present with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. This can indicate an overdose of digoxin, which can be life-threatening. Prompt action is necessary to prevent further complications. A: Heart rate of 58 beats per minute is within the therapeutic range for digoxin and does not require immediate intervention. C: Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is also within normal limits and does not indicate an urgent issue. D: Shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart failure but is not a direct indication of digoxin toxicity requiring immediate intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The rationale is that radioactive iodine therapy can harm a developing fetus, so patients should avoid close contact with pregnant women for one week. Choice B is incorrect as iodine supplements can interfere with the therapy. Choice C is incorrect as fluid intake should not be restricted unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider. Choice D is incorrect as there is no need to use disposable utensils for all meals.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gamma globulin. Gamma globulin contains antibodies that can provide immediate passive immunity against hepatitis B virus. Administering corticosteroids (A) would not protect against hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B vaccine (C) is used for prevention, not immediate protection. Fresh frozen plasma (D) does not contain specific antibodies against hepatitis B.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hepatic encephalopathy. In liver cirrhosis, the liver's ability to detoxify ammonia is impaired, leading to elevated ammonia levels in the blood. This excess ammonia crosses the blood-brain barrier, causing neurological symptoms like confusion and disorientation. Hypoglycemia (B), electrolyte imbalance (C), and dehydration (D) can also contribute to altered mental status, but in a cirrhotic patient, hepatic encephalopathy is the most likely cause due to impaired ammonia metabolism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid intramuscular injections. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count, which can lead to impaired blood clotting. Intramuscular injections can cause bleeding and bruising due to the decreased ability of blood to clot. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid invasive procedures like intramuscular injections to prevent excessive bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia. Encouraging light exercise (choice A) can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly address the risk of bleeding. Avoiding aspirin (choice C) is important as it can further increase the risk of bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush for oral care (choice D) is a good practice, but it does not directly address the risk associated with intramuscular injections in patients with thrombocytopenia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Tis refers to carcinoma in situ, meaning the cancer is limited to the surface layer of cells in the cervix. 2. N0 indicates no regional lymph node involvement. 3. M0 indicates no distant metastasis. 4. Therefore, the cancer is localized only to the cervix, making answer A correct. Summary: B: Incorrect - Does not address the staging information provided in Tis, N0, M0. C: Incorrect - The staging information is already provided, and further testing may not be necessary at this stage. D: Incorrect - Staging information does not indicate difficulty in determining the original site of the cancer.