Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the patient's inability to count fingers indicates severe visual impairment. Testing hand motion perception is a more appropriate initial assessment for patients with such significant visual losses. This method can differentiate between light perception and no light perception, providing valuable information about the patient's visual acuity. The other choices are incorrect because assessing vision using a Snellen chart (A) requires more visual acuity than just being able to see hand motion. Performing a detailed examination of external eye structures (C) and palpating periocular regions (D) are not relevant for assessing visual acuity and do not provide information on the patient's ability to perceive hand motion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: HIV encephalopathy. This condition, also known as AIDS dementia complex, is characterized by progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions due to HIV affecting the brain. The onset of these symptoms in the patient is indicative of HIV encephalopathy. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: B-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that can occur in patients with AIDS, but it typically presents with symptoms related to lymph nodes or other organs, not cognitive decline. C: Kaposis sarcoma is a type of cancer caused by the human herpesvirus 8, and it typically presents with skin lesions or internal organ involvement, not cognitive decline. D: Wasting syndrome is characterized by severe weight loss, weakness, and loss of muscle mass, but it does not directly cause cognitive, behavioral, and motor decline as seen in HIV encephalopathy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hidden placental abruption. In this scenario, the patient had PROM and is now presenting with decreased fetal movement and absence of fetal heart tones after a fundal height increase. These signs suggest a hidden placental abruption, where the placenta has partially detached, leading to fetal distress and potential fetal demise. The absence of contractions rules out active labor (B) as the cause. Placental previa (A) would typically present with painless vaginal bleeding, which is not described in the scenario. Placental abruption (C) usually presents with painful vaginal bleeding, which is also not mentioned. Therefore, the most likely explanation for the symptoms described is a hidden placental abruption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Encourage the patient to keep his or her feeding area clean. This is the most appropriate independent nursing action as it promotes hygiene and reduces the risk of infection. Keeping the feeding area clean is essential in preventing complications in a patient with malnutrition. Rationales for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Firmly redirect the patient's head when feeding - This is incorrect because forceful redirection can cause distress and discomfort to the patient, potentially leading to aspiration or choking. B: Administer phenothiazines after each meal as ordered - This is incorrect as phenothiazines are not typically used for malnutrition treatment and should not be administered without a specific indication. D: Apply deep, gentle pressure around the patient's mouth to aid swallowing - This is incorrect because applying pressure around the mouth can pose a choking hazard and should not be done without proper assessment and intervention by a speech therapist or swallowing specialist.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Previous perforation of the eardrum. A perforated eardrum can lead to hearing loss as it affects the transmission of sound waves to the inner ear. This is the most likely link to the patient's hearing deficit as trauma or injury to the eardrum can directly impact hearing. Incorrect choices: A: Recent completion of radiation therapy for treatment of thyroid cancer - Radiation therapy for thyroid cancer typically does not directly affect hearing. B: Routine use of quinine for management of leg cramps - Quinine use is associated with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) but not typically with hearing loss. C: Allergy to hair coloring and hair spray - Allergy to hair products is not directly related to hearing loss. In summary, the most likely cause of the patient's hearing deficit based on the health history provided is the previous perforation of the eardrum, as it directly affects the transmission of sound waves to the inner ear.