When evaluating a severely depressed adolescent, the nurse knows that one indicator of a high risk for suicide is:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A key indicator of high risk for suicide in a severely depressed adolescent is a preoccupation with death. This preoccupation may manifest as talking about death frequently, expressing a desire to die, or showing an interest in activities or media related to death. It is important for healthcare providers to take any mention of suicidal thoughts or intentions seriously and to assess for other risk factors. While depression, excessive sleepiness, and a history of cocaine use may also be concerning in an adolescent's mental health assessment, a preoccupation with death is a more direct indicator of suicidal risk. It is crucial for healthcare providers to address suicidal ideation promptly and to ensure the adolescent receives appropriate mental health support and interventions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The child described in the scenario displays characteristics consistent with growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone is essential for the growth and development of bones, muscles, and other tissues in the body. A deficiency in growth hormone can result in growth retardation, where the child appears small with slow growth rates of body parts. Despite the physical stunting, intelligence remains normal as growth hormone does not affect intellectual development. Treatment for growth hormone deficiency usually involves hormone replacement therapy to help the child achieve normal growth and development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is the most effective test in diagnosing hemophilia. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that results in prolonged clotting times due to deficiencies in specific clotting factors, such as factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B). PTT is a screening test that evaluates the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and helps identify deficiencies in clotting factors. In patients with hemophilia, PTT is typically prolonged due to the reduced activity of the deficient clotting factor. Therefore, measuring PTT can aid in the diagnosis of hemophilia by assessing the clotting function and identifying specific clotting factor deficiencies. Other tests like bleeding time, CBC, and platelet count are important in evaluating overall bleeding tendencies, but they are not as specific for diagnosing hemophilia as the PTT test.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is a heart condition where there is obstruction or narrowing of the pulmonary valve, which is responsible for allowing blood to flow out of the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. This obstruction leads to decreased blood flow from the right side of the heart to the lungs, causing increased pressure in the right ventricle. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and possible heart murmurs. It is essential for Nurse Alex to educate Jessica's parents about the impact of this obstruction in the right ventricle and the importance of monitoring Jessica's symptoms and seeking appropriate medical care when needed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Epiglottiditis is always considered a medical emergency due to the potential risk of airway obstruction. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food and liquids from entering the airway during swallowing. If the epiglottis becomes inflamed or infected, it can swell and block the airway, making it difficult or impossible for the person to breathe. This obstruction can rapidly progress to a life-threatening situation if not treated promptly. Therefore, epiglottiditis requires immediate medical attention to ensure the airway remains open and the individual can breathe properly.