The patient is told by the health care provider that the size of the patient's muscle has decreased. How should the nurse document this occurrence?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Atrophy. Atrophy refers to the decrease in size of a muscle due to various reasons like lack of use, nerve damage, or malnutrition. It is crucial for nurses to accurately document changes in a patient's condition to ensure effective communication within the healthcare team and provide appropriate care. Option A) Hyaline is incorrect because hyaline refers to a type of cartilage, not muscle size changes. Option C) Isometric is incorrect as it refers to a type of muscle contraction where the length of the muscle remains the same, not a decrease in muscle size. Option D) Hypertrophy is also incorrect as it refers to an increase in muscle size, opposite to what is described in the question. Educationally, understanding these terms is essential for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, as it impacts their ability to assess, document, and communicate changes in a patient's condition accurately. Recognizing and documenting muscle atrophy can help in determining the underlying cause, developing appropriate treatment plans, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions over time.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm with stroke symptoms, the correct treatment option that the nurse would anticipate is surgical clipping of the aneurysm (Option B). This intervention involves surgically closing off the aneurysm to prevent further bleeding and potential complications. Surgical clipping is the preferred treatment for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm as it directly addresses the source of bleeding, reducing the risk of re-rupture and allowing for better long-term outcomes. This procedure is often performed emergently to minimize the chances of neurological deficits and mortality associated with aneurysm rupture. The other options are not the first-line treatments for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm: A) Hyperventilation therapy is used to lower intracranial pressure in certain neurological conditions but is not the primary treatment for a ruptured aneurysm. C) Administration of hyperosmotic agents may be used to reduce cerebral edema, but it does not directly treat the aneurysm itself. D) Thrombolytic therapy is used for ischemic strokes caused by blood clots, not for ruptured aneurysms. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the treatment of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is crucial for nurses caring for patients with neurological conditions. It is essential for nurses to recognize the urgency of surgical intervention in such cases to provide timely and appropriate care, potentially saving lives and preventing further complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Obtain the suction equipment from the supply cabinet. Delegating this task to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is appropriate as it falls within their scope of practice and does not require specialized training or critical thinking. UAPs are often trained to perform basic tasks that do not involve assessment or interpretation. Option A, completing the admission assessment, involves gathering crucial patient information that requires a licensed healthcare provider's skills. Option B, explaining the call system to the patient, involves communication and education, which should be done by a healthcare provider. Option D, placing a padded tongue blade on the wall above the patient's bed, involves a potential risk of harm and should only be done by a licensed professional to ensure patient safety. In an educational context, it is important for nurses and other healthcare providers to understand the principles of delegation to optimize patient care and workflow efficiency. Knowing which tasks can be safely delegated to UAPs based on their training and competency levels is essential in providing quality patient care while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Levodopa is a crucial medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The correct answer is C) It is a precursor of dopamine that is converted to dopamine in the brain. Levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain, where it helps replenish the depleted dopamine levels in patients with Parkinson's disease. This conversion process occurs in the presynaptic terminals of neurons. Option A) It stimulates dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia is incorrect because levodopa itself does not directly stimulate dopamine receptors but rather serves as a precursor for dopamine synthesis. Option B) It promotes the release of dopamine from brain neurons is incorrect as levodopa does not promote the release of dopamine but rather acts as a building block for dopamine production. Option D) It prevents the excessive breakdown of dopamine in the peripheral tissues is incorrect because levodopa primarily acts within the brain to increase dopamine levels, rather than preventing its breakdown in peripheral tissues. Understanding the mechanism of action of levodopa is essential for nurses caring for patients with Parkinson's disease. By knowing that levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, nurses can better educate patients on the importance of medication adherence, timing of doses, and potential side effects related to dopamine replacement therapy. This knowledge also helps nurses monitor for therapeutic effectiveness and manage medication regimens in collaboration with healthcare providers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is C) Lorazepam (Ativan). Benzodiazepines like lorazepam are commonly used to manage acute symptoms of anxiety, agitation, or aggression in patients. They work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to a calming effect. Benzodiazepines are not typically used to manage behavior in the context of neurological symptoms or disorders, but rather for acute symptom management. Option A) Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. It does not have the same immediate calming effects as benzodiazepines. Option B) Donepezil (Aricept) is a medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by improving cognitive function. It is not indicated for managing behavior. Option D) Risperidone (Risperdal) is an antipsychotic medication often used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. While it can help manage behavior in certain conditions, it is not a benzodiazepine and does not work in the same way. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the appropriate use of medications based on their mechanisms of action and indications. Understanding the differences between medications like benzodiazepines, SSRIs, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and antipsychotics is crucial for making informed treatment decisions and providing optimal care for patients with neurological conditions.