Which of the following actions is indicated in the management of a patient with an open chest wound (sucking chest wound)?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An open chest wound, also known as a sucking chest wound, can lead to a collapsed lung and respiratory distress. Immediate management involves sealing the wound to prevent air from entering the pleural space and further compromising the patient's respiratory function. Applying a sterile dressing over the wound helps to prevent contamination and occluding the wound with an airtight covering, such as an occlusive dressing, can effectively reduce the risk of a tension pneumothorax, a serious complication that can arise from a sucking chest wound. These interventions help to stabilize the patient's condition and improve the chances of a successful recovery. Administering supplemental oxygen, though beneficial, would be secondary to the primary management of sealing the chest wound. Providing emotional support is important but addressing the physical emergency takes precedence. Elevating the patient's legs would not be appropriate in managing an open chest wound.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis. When a person is experiencing respiratory alkalosis, there is an excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to elevated blood pH. The marked increase in the rate and depth of respirations as well as symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability are characteristic of respiratory alkalosis. This condition can be caused by hyperventilation, anxiety, or fever, which result in excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to an imbalance in the acid-base status. Treatment for respiratory alkalosis involves addressing the underlying cause, such as providing reassurance to decrease anxiety or managing the breathing pattern to normalize CO2 levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Patient's Bill of Rights typically focuses on ensuring patients have the right to certain aspects of their healthcare, such as the right to refuse treatment, the right to informed consent, and the right to receive treatment. Civil commitment, on the other hand, refers to the legal process through which an individual is involuntarily placed in a psychiatric facility for evaluation and treatment. This issue is not typically addressed in the Patient's Bill of Rights, as it involves specific legal procedures rather than general patient rights.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The constellation of symptoms presented (periorbital edema, hypertension, proteinuria) along with the laboratory findings (elevated creatinine and urea levels, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis) are classical signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In CKD, the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, leading to impaired filtration of waste products and electrolyte imbalance. The presence of hypertension and proteinuria are common in CKD due to the compromised renal function. Additionally, elevated serum creatinine and urea levels, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis are indicative of kidney dysfunction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Long-term aspirin therapy, especially at higher doses, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is essential for the production of prostaglandins involved in mucosal protection of the gastrointestinal tract. Without these protective prostaglandins, the stomach lining becomes more susceptible to damage from gastric acid, leading to potential ulcer formation and bleeding. Patients with a history of coronary artery disease may be on aspirin for secondary prevention, and it is crucial to monitor for signs of bleeding such as black, tarry stools or abdominal pain. The benefits of aspirin in preventing cardiovascular events need to be weighed against the risk of adverse effects like gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in patients on long-term therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Mast cells are primarily responsible for mediating allergic responses such as severe allergies. When an allergen triggers the immune response, mast cells release histamine, leukotrienes, and other inflammatory mediators. These substances cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling. Basophils also release histamine, but mast cells are more abundant in tissues and play a significant role in allergic reactions. Eosinophils are involved in allergic reactions but are more focused on combating parasitic infections. Neutrophils are not typically involved in allergic responses but play a key role in combating bacterial infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation of fatigue, pallor, exertional dyspnea along with the laboratory findings of severe anemia, low serum iron, low transferrin saturation, and elevated TIBC are consistent with iron deficiency anemia. In iron deficiency anemia, there is inadequate iron available for erythropoiesis leading to microcytic hypochromic anemia. The low serum iron and transferrin saturation, along with the elevated TIBC, indicate decreased iron stores and increased iron-binding capacity as the body tries to compensate for the deficiency by increasing absorption and recycling of iron. Anemia of chronic disease typically presents with mild to moderate anemia, normal to low TIBC, and low transferrin saturation due to iron sequestration in macrophages. Sideroblastic anemia usually has elevated serum iron, high saturation, and normal to low TIBC. Thalassemia presents with microcytic hyp

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An adequate contraction pattern during labor is characterized by regular contractions occurring at a frequency of three to 5 contractions in a 10-minute period, with resultant cervical dilatation. This pattern indicates efficient uterine activity that is helping to progress labor by dilating the cervix. In option A, the contractions are occurring at an appropriate frequency and are resulting in cervical dilatation, making it the correct choice for indicating an adequate contraction pattern.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The initial teaching given to a patient with ALS and her family should focus on explaining the disease process, the expected course, and prognosis. Providing this information early on can help the patient and her family understand what to expect, make informed decisions about care and treatment, and prepare emotionally for the challenges ahead. It is important to establish open communication and provide support from the beginning to help the patient and her family cope with the diagnosis and navigate the journey with ALS. While referral to support groups, prevention of complications, and prevention of depression are all important aspects of care for ALS patients, understanding the disease process and prognosis is fundamental to setting realistic expectations and planning for the future.