Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a patient experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation with severe respiratory distress and hypoxemia, the most appropriate intervention is to initiate non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). NIPPV can help improve ventilation, decrease work of breathing, and correct hypoxemia by providing positive pressure to keep the airways open, reduce air trapping, and increase the elimination of carbon dioxide. This intervention can help improve oxygenation and reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with severe asthma exacerbations. Administering high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula alone may not provide enough support for patients with severe respiratory distress. Nebulized albuterol/ipratropium combination therapy and intravenous corticosteroid therapy are also important treatments for asthma exacerbations but are not the first-line interventions for patients with severe respiratory distress and hypoxemia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Complete abortion is the most likely cause of the symptoms described. In a complete abortion, all products of conception are expelled from the uterus. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, passage of tissue, and dilation of the cervix. In this scenario, the presentation of a dilated cervix with visualized products of conception is classic for a complete abortion at 10 weeks gestation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient undergoing surgery (closure of the sac) would be risk for infection. This is because surgical procedures increase the risk of infection due to the breach in the skin and introduction of microorganisms. Infection can lead to serious complications, delay healing, and prolong recovery time. Therefore, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of infections are essential in the perioperative period to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's presentation of excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue align with the classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The laboratory findings of hypernatremia (high sodium levels), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), and metabolic acidosis further support this diagnosis. In diabetes mellitus, the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or ineffective use of insulin by the cells (Type 2 diabetes). This leads to high blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and fatigue. The metabolic acidosis is a result of the body's breakdown of fats and proteins for energy due to the lack of glucose utilization in the cells.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When managing a conscious patient with a severe nosebleed (epistaxis), the appropriate intervention is to have the patient sit upright and lean slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing into the throat and causing choking or swallowing. Pinching the soft part of the nose just below the bony part can help apply pressure to the bleeding vessel and stop the bleeding. This maneuver also helps compress the blood vessels in the nose, promoting clot formation and stopping the bleeding. It is important not to tilt the head back as this can cause blood to flow into the throat and potentially lead to swallowing, choking, or aspiration. Packing the nose with cotton gauze should be done by medical professionals if the bleeding does not stop with direct pressure. Applying direct pressure to the forehead is not effective for managing nosebleeds; pressure should be applied to the nostrils instead.