Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Fowler's position is the correct position to help a patient experiencing breathing difficulty. In Fowler's position, the patient is sitting up at a 45- to 60-degree angle with the legs either straight or bent. This position allows for maximum chest expansion, helping to improve ventilation and oxygenation. It is commonly used to assist patients with respiratory distress, including difficulties with breathing. Placing the patient in Fowler's position can alleviate the feeling of breathlessness and facilitate easier breathing by promoting better lung expansion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the emergency department setting, the initial diagnostic test typically performed for a patient suspected of having a stroke is a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. This imaging study is crucial in evaluating and diagnosing stroke because it can quickly identify whether the person is having a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or an ischemic stroke (blood clot blocking a blood vessel). The results of the CT scan help guide immediate treatment decisions, such as administering clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes or preparing for surgical interventions for hemorrhagic strokes. Carotid ultrasound studies and transcranial Doppler flow studies may be performed after the initial CT scan to further assess the extent of damage and the underlying cause of the stroke. The 12-lead electrocardiogram is useful in assessing the heart's electrical activity but is not the primary test for diagnosing stroke.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient presents with gradual, painless visual field loss in both eyes, particularly in the peripheral vision, which is characteristic of glaucoma. The elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) on tonometry further supports a diagnosis of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and typically presents insidiously with a slow progression of vision loss. In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye remains open but becomes less efficient over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. This results in peripheral visual field loss. Closed-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, presents more acutely with sudden eye pain, redness, and blurred vision due to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure from a blocked drainage angle. Age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy typically do not present with elevated IOP or peripheral visual field loss.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Postpartum hemorrhage is a serious complication that can occur within the first 24 hours after childbirth. It is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Therefore, during the immediate postpartum period, the first priority nursing intervention should be focused on observing for signs and symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage, such as excessive bleeding, abnormal vital signs, and changes in uterine tone. Early detection and prompt intervention can prevent severe complications and save the mother's life. Monitoring urinary output, taking vital signs, and checking level of responsiveness are important aspects of postpartum care but observing for postpartum hemorrhage takes precedence due to its critical nature.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse in the practice of her profession is guided by a code of ethics, which outlines the moral duties and professional responsibilities of nurses. The code of ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making and sets standards for professional behavior within the nursing profession. Nurses are expected to adhere to the principles of the code of ethics in order to promote the well-being and safety of their patients, maintain professional integrity, and uphold the values of nursing practice.