The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). What finding is most consistent with this condition?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fine crackles on auscultation. In ARDS, the alveoli become filled with fluid, leading to the crackling sound. Fine crackles indicate the presence of fluid in the small airways, which is a hallmark of ARDS. Wheezing (B) is more commonly associated with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Decreased tactile fremitus (C) may suggest pleural effusion or pneumothorax, not ARDS. Dullness on percussion (D) is seen in conditions like pneumonia or pleural effusion, not specifically ARDS. Therefore, the presence of fine crackles on auscultation is the most consistent finding with ARDS.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The hypothalamus is the primary regulator of body temperature, making Choice C correct. Located in the brain, the hypothalamus acts as the bodys thermostat, receiving input from thermoreceptors and initiating responses like sweating or shivering to maintain a stable core temperature around 98.6°F (37°C). Medulla, is incorrect because the medulla oblongata primarily controls autonomic functions like heart rate and breathing, not temperature regulation. Sebaceous glands, refers to oil-producing skin glands with no role in temperature control. Wernickes area, is a brain region involved in language comprehension, unrelated to thermoregulation. The hypothalamus integrates signals from the body and environment, adjusting heat production and loss via mechanisms like vasodilation or muscle activity. Its critical role in homeostasis distinguishes it from the other options, confirming C as the correct answer supported by physiological evidence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sympathetic nervous system, is correct as it regulates arteriovenous shuntsvessels linking arteries and veinsto control heat exchange. When cold, it constricts shunts, retaining heat; when hot, it dilates them, releasing heat. Autonomic nervous system, is broader (includes sympathetic and parasympathetic), but only sympathetic handles this. Parasympathetic, focuses on rest (e.g., digestion), not thermoregulation. All of the above, overextends. The sympathetic system, via norepinephrine, adjusts blood flow to skin, balancing core temperature (e.g., 98.6°F). Nursing notes this in pallor (cold) or flushing (heat). Thus, C is accurate per autonomic physiology.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Teaching nonmercury glass thermometer use involves technique precision. Wiping from fingers to bulb ensures cleanliness but risks contamination downward. Shaking to 92°F is incorrect; it should reset below 96°F. Reading horizontally at eye level with rotation is accurate for visibility, making it correct. Leaving it for 3 minutes varies by site (oral 3, rectal 2-3, axillary 5-10) and protocol, so it's imprecise. Choice C is best as it details a universal, correct reading method, critical for student learning and accurate temperature assessment in clinical practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Pulse assessment primarily evaluates cardiac status , reflecting heart rate and rhythm, key indicators of cardiovascular function. Blood pressure relates but requires a cuff. Temperature isn't pulse-related. Respiratory status is secondary. Choice C is correct, per nursing fundamentals, as pulse directly monitors heart performance, guiding cardiac care.