What diagnostic test is the 'gold standard' for evaluation of the rotator cuff?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: MRI. MRI is the 'gold standard' for evaluating the rotator cuff due to its high sensitivity and specificity in detecting rotator cuff tears and other pathologies. It provides detailed imaging of soft tissues, allowing for better visualization of the rotator cuff structures. Plain x-rays are not ideal for evaluating soft tissues like the rotator cuff. Physical exam of the shoulder can provide valuable information, but it may not be as accurate as imaging tests. Ultrasound can be useful, but it is not as sensitive or specific as MRI for detecting rotator cuff tears. In summary, MRI is the preferred diagnostic test for evaluating the rotator cuff due to its superior imaging capabilities and accuracy in detecting pathologies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Evidence-based practice (EBP) requires nurses to critically evaluate research studies. Step 2: To incorporate EBP, nurses need research skills to assess the quality of studies. Step 3: Lack of research skills hinders nurses from effectively utilizing EBP. Step 4: Choice A is correct as it directly addresses a barrier to incorporating EBP. Summary: Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically relate to the need for research skills in evaluating the quality of research studies, which is essential for implementing EBP.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a respiratory disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation in the lung parenchyma, leading to a restrictive pattern of lung function. This results in decreased lung volume and impaired gas exchange. Myasthenia gravis (A) is a neuromuscular disorder, not a respiratory disease. Asthma (B) is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, not a restrictive pattern. Ankylosing spondylitis (D) primarily affects the spine and joints, not the lungs. Therefore, the correct choice is C based on the specific pathological and clinical features of sarcoidosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consensual reaction. This phenomenon occurs when shining light into one eye causes both pupils to constrict due to the pupillary light reflex. The optic nerves from both eyes converge in the brain, leading to the consensual reaction in the non-illuminated eye. Direct reaction (A) refers to the pupil directly exposed to light. Near reaction (C) is associated with changes in pupil size in response to focusing on near objects. Accommodation (D) is the process of adjusting the lens shape for near vision and is not directly related to pupillary constriction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: It is a splenic rub. The rough grating noise heard on examination is characteristic of a splenic rub, which occurs when the peritoneum overlying the spleen rubs against the spleen itself. This is often associated with conditions like splenic infarction or abscess. In Cody's case, with his history of leukemia and an enlarged spleen, this finding is concerning and warrants further investigation. Summary of other choices: B: It is not a variant of bowel noise as bowel noises are typically more high-pitched and gurgling in nature. C: It is not borborygmi, which refers to the normal sounds produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. D: It is not a vascular noise as those are usually associated with blood flow abnormalities and are not typically heard in the left upper quadrant.