Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (5 years) because ALS is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. The median life expectancy for most ALS patients is around 3-5 years from the onset of symptoms. Choice A (3 years) is too short for 50% of patients. Choice B (10 years) and Choice D (20 years) are longer than the typical life expectancy for ALS patients, making them incorrect. The progression of ALS varies among individuals, but statistically, 50% of patients would be expected to live around 5 years after diagnosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Performing a physical examination. This method allows the nurse to gather comprehensive data about the patient's health status, including vital signs, physical appearance, and potential health issues. It provides valuable information for developing an individualized care plan. Reviewing literature (A) is important but not for establishing a patient's database. Checking orders (B) and ordering medications (D) are part of the treatment process and do not directly contribute to establishing the initial patient database.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, a high protein, vitamin, and iron diet, as it directly addresses the nutritional deficiencies associated with anemia. Proteins aid in the production of red blood cells, while iron and vitamins are essential for hemoglobin synthesis. Medical therapy (A) typically involves medications or blood transfusions, not dietary changes. Fluid therapy (C) may be used for certain types of anemia, but it is not a primary intervention. Chemotherapy (D) is not indicated for the treatment of anemia, as it is used for cancer treatment. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate intervention for anemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B - Avoid traumatic injuries and exposure to any infection. For a client with pancytopenia caused by chemotherapy, their immune system is compromised, making them more susceptible to infections and bleeding. By avoiding traumatic injuries and exposure to infections, the client can reduce the risk of complications. Option A is incorrect because aggressive mouth care may further damage the already compromised oral mucosa. Option C is incorrect because excessive fluid intake may not be necessary and could worsen electrolyte imbalances. Option D is incorrect because muscle cramps and tingling sensations are not directly related to the main concern of infection and bleeding in pancytopenia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diagnostic reasoning. The nurse is utilizing assessment data to analyze and interpret the information to develop a nursing diagnosis. This involves critical thinking skills to make conclusions and create a plan of care. A: Assigning clinical cues - This choice is incorrect as it refers to identifying objective and subjective data during assessment, not the process of analyzing and synthesizing data to form a diagnosis. B: Defining characteristics - This choice is incorrect as it typically refers to the specific manifestations or symptoms associated with a particular nursing diagnosis, not the process of diagnosing itself. D: Diagnostic labeling - This choice is incorrect as it refers to the final step in the nursing diagnosis process where the nurse assigns a label to the identified problem, not the overall process of diagnostic reasoning.