Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because living wills typically are not always honored for cognitively impaired patients. Step-by-step rationale: A) Incorrect - A court can declare a patient incompetent if they are unable to make decisions. B) Incorrect - Impaired cognition can indeed make a person incompetent. D) Incorrect - A patient must have the capacity to understand information and make decisions to give informed consent.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in Cushing's syndrome, there is excess cortisol production leading to hyperglycemia (high glucose) and hypokalemia (low potassium). The high white blood cell count is due to the immunosuppressive effects of cortisol. Option B is incorrect as polycythemia is not typically seen in Cushing's syndrome. Option C is incorrect as low sodium and low potassium are not common findings in Cushing's syndrome. Option D is incorrect as high sodium, high chloride, and high RBCs are not typical features of Cushing's syndrome.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Preservation of sensorineural hearing. In cholesteatoma, surgery aims to remove the lesion and prevent further damage to the ossicles and inner ear structures. Preserving sensorineural hearing is crucial to maintain auditory function post-surgery. A: Production of a dry ear is important to prevent recurrence, but not the primary goal. C: Debridement of infection is necessary, but the main aim is to address the cholesteatoma itself. D: Restoration of the tympanic membrane may be needed but is not the primary objective in cholesteatoma surgery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Seat belts. Flexion-distraction injuries of the thoracolumbar spine are commonly caused by seat belts due to the mechanism of injury during a motor vehicle accident. When a sudden deceleration occurs, the body is restrained by the seat belt while the spine continues to move forward, leading to hyperflexion of the spine. This results in distraction forces at the thoracolumbar junction, causing injury. Blunt trauma (choice A) can cause various types of spinal injuries but is not specifically associated with flexion-distraction injuries. Rotational injury (choice B) typically leads to injuries such as fractures or dislocations, not flexion-distraction injuries. Gunshot wounds (choice D) can cause direct spinal damage, but they do not typically result in flexion-distraction injuries.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. High-risk pregnancies are associated with various complications, including preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Preterm birth can lead to developmental issues for the baby. Gestational diabetes affects the mother's and baby's health. Preeclampsia can result in high blood pressure and organ damage. Choosing D as the correct answer encompasses all these complications, highlighting the comprehensive nature of risks in high-risk pregnancies. Choices A, B, and C alone do not cover all the potential complications, making them individually incorrect.