Which is a clinical manifestation of the systemic venous congestion that can occur with heart failure?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is a common clinical manifestation of systemic venous congestion that can occur with heart failure. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to a backup of blood in the veins. This increased pressure in the veins causes fluid to leak out into the surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling or edema, most commonly in the lower extremities. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) and tachycardia (fast heart rate) are more associated with the compensatory mechanisms of the body to try to maintain cardiac output and oxygenation. Pale, cool extremities are more indicative of poor peripheral perfusion, which can occur with severe heart failure but are not the typical manifestations of systemic venous congestion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Antihistamines are used cautiously in older men with prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) because these clients may experience difficulty voiding. Antihistamines can cause urinary retention by causing decreased bladder contractility and relaxation of the bladder neck muscles. In individuals with prostatic hypertrophy, there is already an increased risk of urinary retention due to obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate. Therefore, the use of antihistamines can exacerbate this condition, leading to further difficulty in urination. It is important to monitor these individuals closely and consider alternative medications that do not pose a risk of worsening urinary symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Neurofibromatosis type 1 is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing optic gliomas.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an important diagnostic test that can help identify inflammation in the body, including inflammation in the heart. Elevated ESR levels may indicate the presence of an underlying condition that could potentially lead to cardiac complications if left untreated. Regular monitoring of ESR levels can help in the early detection and prevention of cardiac issues. The other options (A. Chest x-ray examination, B. Throat culture, and D. White blood cell count) are not specific diagnostic tests for assessing cardiac complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus has an affinity for sensory nerve fibers, particularly those located in the posterior root ganglia and the posterior horn of the spinal cord. When the virus becomes reactivated, it travels along these nerves to the skin, leading to the characteristic painful rash and blisters that are seen in herpes zoster. The involvement of these specific nerve fibers explains the typical dermatomal distribution of the rash in shingles.