When communicating with a patient who is experiencing delirium, what is the nurse's priority?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When communicating with a patient experiencing delirium, the nurse's priority is to provide clear and simple explanations to minimize confusion. Delirium can cause disorientation, confusion, and impaired cognitive function, making it difficult for the patient to understand complex information. Using simple language and clear explanations can help the patient better comprehend the situation and reduce anxiety. It is essential for the nurse to speak calmly, use reassuring gestures, and maintain a supportive presence to effectively communicate with a delirious patient. This approach can help establish a sense of trust and foster a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship during the challenging experience of delirium.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms described - muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, hyperpigmentation of the skin, low serum cortisol levels, and elevated ACTH levels - are classic findings in Addison's disease. Addison's disease is a primary adrenal insufficiency characterized by the insufficient production of cortisol and, to some extent, aldosterone. The low cortisol levels result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and skin hyperpigmentation due to increased levels of ACTH stimulating melanin production. In contrast, in conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus, the symptoms and laboratory findings would not fully align with those described in the patient in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Follicular thyroid carcinoma is a type of thyroid cancer that arises from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma may present with a palpable thyroid nodule, which in this case is causing signs of hyperthyroidism due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones by the malignant cells. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealing follicular cells with nuclear features suggestive of malignancy further supports the diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient is presenting with chest pain that worsens with exertion and improves with rest, which is characteristic of stable angina. Additionally, ST-segment depression on ECG is a common finding in patients with stable angina. Stable angina is typically caused by coronary artery disease, which leads to partial obstruction of the coronary arteries resulting in inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle during periods of increased demand (such as exertion). The chest pain is usually predictable and reproducible, occurring with similar intensity and duration during episodes of exertion. Rest or nitroglycerin can help relieve the symptoms by increasing coronary blood flow. It is important to differentiate stable angina from unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction, which have different management and prognostic implications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The cardiovascular disorder most likely responsible for the symptoms described is a pericardial effusion. A pericardial effusion is an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial space surrounding the heart. When a large pericardial effusion is present, it can lead to compression of the heart chambers, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea.