Which finding below would be unusual in a patient with diabetic retinopathy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Papilledema. Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes that primarily affects the retina's blood vessels. Papilledema, which is optic disc swelling due to increased intracranial pressure, is not a typical finding in diabetic retinopathy. Dot and blot hemorrhages, microaneurysms, and cotton wool spots are commonly seen in diabetic retinopathy due to retinal vessel damage and ischemia. Papilledema is more associated with conditions like intracranial hypertension or optic neuritis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regularly irregular rhythm. This is the appropriate documentation for Ms. Wright's presentation as her pulse demonstrates a pattern of irregularity with every fourth beat sounding different. This indicates a regularly irregular rhythm, where there is a discernible pattern to the irregularity. Rationale: 1. Regular rate and rhythm (Choice A) is incorrect as Ms. Wright's palpitations and the irregularity in her pulse indicate an irregular rhythm. 2. Irregularly irregular rhythm (Choice B) is incorrect as this term is used to describe arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, which do not have a discernible pattern of irregularity. 3. Bradycardia (Choice D) is incorrect as it refers to a slow heart rate, which is not the primary concern in this scenario where the focus is on the irregular rhythm. In summary, the correct choice (C) accurately describes the specific irregular pattern observed in Ms. Wright's pulse, distinguishing it from

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinal stenosis. The symptoms described suggest neurogenic claudication, which is a hallmark of spinal stenosis. Pain worsening with ambulation and improving with lumbar flexion is characteristic of spinal stenosis due to narrowing of the spinal canal leading to compression of nerves. Ankylosing spondylitis (A) presents with inflammatory back pain and stiffness, not neurogenic claudication. Bursitis (C) involves inflammation of bursae, not typically associated with leg pain and numbness. Cauda equina syndrome (D) presents with sudden-onset severe back pain, urinary retention, and saddle anesthesia, which are not consistent with the described symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diuretics. In older adults, diuretics are considered the most appropriate first-line therapy for hypertension due to their effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and preventing complications such as heart failure. Diuretics are well-tolerated, have a long history of use, and are cost-effective. They are especially beneficial in older adults with volume overload or fluid retention. Beta-blockers (B) may be less effective in older adults and can have more side effects. ACE inhibitors (C) are commonly used but may pose risks of hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction in older adults. Calcium channel blockers (D) are effective but may increase the risk of falls and fractures in older adults.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters commonly associated with mood regulation. Medications that affect these neurotransmitters can lead to symptoms of depression as a side effect. B: Gabapentin is not primarily associated with mood regulation. C: Milnacipran is an SNRI used to treat depression, not cause it. D: Cortisol is a stress hormone, not a neurotransmitter directly linked to depression symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Meningitis typically presents with neck stiffness due to meningeal irritation. In choice C, the patient has a tender neck to palpation and is unable to perform range of motion, indicating meningeal inflammation. Choices A, B, and D all describe a normal head and fundi exam, which is not consistent with meningitis. Choice B mentions muscle spasm and limited range of motion to the right, but this is more suggestive of a musculoskeletal issue rather than meningitis. Choice D describes a normal neck exam, which is not in line with the presentation of meningitis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Metabolic problems. The patient's inability to maintain sustained upward hand posture indicates asterixis, a sign of metabolic encephalopathy commonly seen in patients with liver failure due to alcoholism. This is caused by metabolic disturbances affecting the brain's function, leading to confusion and motor abnormalities. It is not indicative of a stroke (A), carpal tunnel syndrome (C), or severe fatigue and weakness (D), as they do not typically present with asterixis or the described palm movements.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 32 cm. At 32 weeks gestation, fundal height should typically correspond to the number of weeks of gestation. This is known as the McDonald's rule. The NP would suspect fetal growth if the fundal height is not within a range of +/- 2 cm from the expected measurement. In this case, 32 cm aligns with the expected fundal height for a pregnancy at 32 weeks gestation. Therefore, it indicates appropriate fetal growth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not match the expected fundal height for a pregnancy at 32 weeks gestation, suggesting possible issues with fetal growth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: It is not effective during an acute asthma attack. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist used for maintenance therapy, not for acute attacks. It does not provide immediate relief. Choices B and C are incorrect because salmeterol's onset of action is not immediate, and it may take days to weeks to achieve full effect. Choice D is incorrect because salmeterol should not be used in children under 12 years old.