The primary mode of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of an ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam, the primary mode of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is physical therapy (option B). Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and eventually leading to fusion of the vertebrae. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing ankylosing spondylitis by improving flexibility, strength, and overall functional ability. It helps maintain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent complications such as spinal deformities. Option A, relaxed posture for comfort, is not the primary mode of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. While comfort measures may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying disease process or prevent long-term complications. Option C, strict bedrest, is not recommended for ankylosing spondylitis as it can lead to further stiffness, muscle weakness, and decreased mobility, exacerbating the condition. Option D, respiratory therapy, is not the primary mode of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. Respiratory therapy is typically used to treat conditions affecting the lungs and breathing, not specifically ankylosing spondylitis which primarily affects the spine. Educationally, understanding the appropriate treatment modalities for ankylosing spondylitis is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to effectively manage patients with this condition. By recognizing the importance of physical therapy in improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ankylosing spondylitis, healthcare professionals can provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and functional aspects of the disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of the ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam, understanding the symptoms of hypothyroidism is crucial for providing effective care. The correct answer is B) Fatigue and cold intolerance. Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in metabolic rate. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss. These symptoms are due to the decreased production of thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy levels in the body. Option A) Polydipsia and polyphagia are symptoms more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes, where increased thirst and hunger are present due to issues with insulin regulation, not hypothyroidism. Option C) Weight loss and hyperglycemia are also not typical symptoms of hypothyroidism. Weight gain is more commonly seen in hypothyroidism due to the slowed metabolism, and hyperglycemia is usually associated with conditions like diabetes. Option D) Tachycardia and diarrhea are actually symptoms of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive and producing an excess of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as rapid heart rate and gastrointestinal disturbances. Understanding the specific symptoms of hypothyroidism is essential for nurses to be able to recognize and provide appropriate care for patients with this condition. By knowing the correct symptoms, healthcare providers can initiate timely interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of a patient with a history of asthma undergoing an appendectomy, the correct preoperative teaching would include the need to perform postoperative coughing and deep breathing exercises (Option A). This is crucial for the patient with asthma to prevent respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia, which can be exacerbated by reduced lung expansion post-surgery. Option B, leg exercises, while beneficial for circulation and preventing blood clots, are not directly related to respiratory complications in asthma patients post-appendectomy. Option C, wound dressing changes, is important but not specific to asthma or respiratory care post-surgery. Option D, all of these, is incorrect because leg exercises and wound dressing changes are not directly related to managing respiratory concerns in asthma patients post-appendectomy. Including coughing and deep breathing exercises in preoperative teaching is essential to promote lung expansion, prevent respiratory complications, and support optimal recovery for patients with asthma undergoing surgery. This educational rationale underscores the importance of tailoring preoperative teaching to the specific needs and risks of individual patients to enhance their postoperative outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In rheumatoid arthritis, the correct answer is C) Small joints of hands and feet. This is because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint deformity. The small joints of the hands and feet are commonly involved due to their complex structure and high degree of mobility, making them more susceptible to the inflammatory process seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Option A) Spine, from the sacrum to the cervical spine, is incorrect because rheumatoid arthritis typically does not primarily affect the spine. Option B) Symmetrical involvement of major joints is incorrect as rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect joints bilaterally, but it is not limited to major joints only. Option D) Slightly movable joints of the axial skeleton is incorrect as rheumatoid arthritis predominantly affects synovial joints rather than the less movable joints of the axial skeleton. Educationally, understanding the specific joints commonly involved in rheumatoid arthritis is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately assess, diagnose, and provide appropriate care for patients with this condition. Recognizing the characteristic joint involvement patterns can aid in early detection and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of abdominal surgery, the most common preventable complication is urinary retention, making option D the correct answer. This is because surgical trauma and anesthesia can lead to temporary dysfunction of the bladder muscles, resulting in difficulty urinating. If not addressed promptly, urinary retention can lead to urinary tract infections and even bladder distention. Option A, atelectasis, is a common post-operative complication involving the collapse of lung tissue, usually due to inadequate lung expansion. While atelectasis is a significant concern, it is not the most common preventable complication in abdominal surgery. Option B, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, can occur post-operatively due to various factors like vomiting, inadequate intake, or excessive loss during surgery. While this is a potential complication, it is not the most common preventable issue in abdominal surgery. Option C, thrombophlebitis, refers to blood clots forming in a vein, which can be a complication after surgery due to immobility. While thrombophlebitis is a serious concern, it is not as common or preventable as urinary retention in the context of abdominal surgery. Educationally, understanding the most common preventable complications of abdominal surgery is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to provide optimal post-operative care. Recognizing and addressing urinary retention early can prevent further complications and improve patient outcomes. It also highlights the importance of post-operative monitoring and interventions to prevent such complications.