Which of the following actions is appropriate for managing a conscious patient with a suspected stroke?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Activating emergency medical services (EMS) for rapid transport to a stroke center is the most appropriate action for managing a conscious patient with a suspected stroke. Time is critical in stroke care, and receiving specialized treatment at a stroke center as soon as possible can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. EMS providers are trained to recognize the signs of stroke and can begin essential pre-hospital care measures while en route to the hospital. Administering aspirin immediately is not recommended without medical evaluation, as certain types of strokes (such as hemorrhagic strokes) can be worsened by aspirin. Placing the patient in a supine position may not be ideal, as maintaining an elevated position can help prevent aspiration in stroke patients. Encouraging the patient to eat and drink is not appropriate, as swallowing difficulties are common in stroke patients and can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The planning function of Nurse Ellen in her role as a nurse manager best corresponds to option D, which is to determine how to achieve the mandate of work. Planning involves setting objectives, developing strategies, and outlining the steps to accomplish those objectives. As a nurse manager, Nurse Ellen would be responsible for creating plans to ensure the effective delivery of patient care, efficient allocation of resources, and meeting the organizational goals of the unit. By determining how to achieve the work mandate, Nurse Ellen can effectively lead her team, allocate resources efficiently, and navigate any challenges that may arise in the operation of the nursing unit.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The statement "Multigravida patient has shorter labor" is the best response to Patient Josephine's question about her shorter labor compared to previous deliveries. In obstetrics, it is commonly observed that labor tends to be shorter in patients who have had previous pregnancies (multigravida patients) due to factors such as prior cervical changes and previous stretching of the birth canal. This phenomenon is known as "multigravida cervical efficiency," and it can lead to faster and more efficient labors in subsequent pregnancies for women who have had previous deliveries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of flank pain, hematuria, and a palpable mass in the abdomen is characteristic of renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma is a common type of kidney cancer that often presents with these symptoms. The presence of a solid renal mass with calcifications on imaging further supports this diagnosis, as renal cell carcinoma is known to have this appearance on imaging studies. It is important to promptly evaluate and manage patients with suspected renal cell carcinoma to optimize outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation described, involving multiple grouped vesicles on an erythematous base in the genital area, is classic for herpes simplex genitalis. This condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and is characterized by recurrent outbreaks of painful vesicles in the genital or perianal area. The history of similar lesions occurring during periods of stress is also suggestive of herpes simplex virus reactivation. Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) typically present as painless, fleshy growths in the genital area caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Syphilis manifests as a painless ulcer known as a chancre, which is not described in the presentation. Molluscum contagiosum presents with pearly, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication, rather than vesicles.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the situation of an obstetric emergency requiring immediate delivery, the priority nursing action is to prepare the delivery room for the birth. This involves ensuring that all necessary supplies and equipment are readily available, the bed is adjusted to the appropriate position, and the healthcare team is prepared to assist with the birth. By expeditiously preparing the delivery room, the healthcare team can facilitate a safe and timely delivery for both the mother and the baby. Notifications to the healthcare provider, administering intravenous fluids, and continuous fetal monitoring can be done simultaneously but preparing the delivery room takes precedence to ensure a prompt response to the emergent situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The first step that a nurse must keep in mind to start a nursing improvement project is to determine the nursing standards. This is crucial because nursing standards provide guidelines and benchmarks for quality care delivery. By identifying and understanding the established standards, nurses can assess current practices, identify areas that need improvement, and develop strategies to enhance patient care. Setting a clear foundation based on nursing standards is essential before moving forward with implementing corrective actions, determining findings for correction, or collecting data. Understanding and aligning with nursing standards from the outset ensures that the improvement project is focused on promoting best practices and achieving positive outcomes for patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In clients with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), death typically occurs within two to three years of diagnosis. This is often due to progressive weakness and degeneration of the muscles involved in breathing, leading to respiratory failure. As the disease advances, the muscles responsible for breathing become increasingly compromised, eventually resulting in the inability to breathe effectively without mechanical ventilation support. Other complications such as aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition may also contribute to the decline in health. Therefore, respiratory failure is the primary cause of death in clients with ALS.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms described in the patient, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), and postural instability, along with the presence of a shuffling gait, stooped posture, and masked facies, are classic features of Parkinson's disease. These motor symptoms are primarily caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. This results in an imbalance of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, leading to motor dysfunction and characteristic movement abnormalities seen in Parkinson's disease.