Which of the following is the initial teachinggiven to the patient with ALS having problems in communication?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), communication difficulties may occur as the disease progresses and affects the muscles responsible for speech. It is crucial to initiate early measures to assist the patient in communicating effectively. Using pre-signals before the loss of speech can be helpful in maintaining communication with the patient. These pre-signals can include gestures, writing tools, communication boards, or technology-assisted communication devices. By introducing and practicing these pre-signals early on, the patient can adapt and utilize alternative communication methods before the loss of speech becomes more challenging. This proactive approach can significantly improve the patient's ability to communicate and maintain a sense of connection with others.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient with a history of congestive heart failure and dyspnea should be seen FIRST by Nurse Pedrito. Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that can lead to acute exacerbations and requires prompt assessment and management. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a common symptom of heart failure and can indicate worsening cardiac function or fluid overload, which requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Timely assessment and intervention for heart failure exacerbations can help prevent hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, prioritizing this patient for assessment and intervention is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's priority action when noticing a malfunctioning anesthesia machine in the operating room should be to inform the anesthesia provider immediately. Anesthesia providers are responsible for administering anesthesia safely during surgical procedures, and they need to be made aware of any equipment issues promptly to ensure patient safety. Continuing with the surgical procedure using a malfunctioning anesthesia machine can pose serious risks to the patient's well-being. Using an alternative anesthesia machine may be an option, but informing the anesthesia provider first ensures that the appropriate action is taken to address the issue effectively. Documenting the malfunction in the equipment log is important for record-keeping purposes, but it should not take precedence over informing the anesthesia provider and taking immediate action to address the problem.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the early stages of multiple myeloma (MM), abnormal values are often seen in the levels of immunoglobulins. This is due to the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobulins (M proteins). These abnormal immunoglobulins can be detected in blood tests and are a key diagnostic feature of MM. Changes in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are not typically early indicators of multiple myeloma.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When controlling severe external bleeding from an extremity, the recommended action is to apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing. Direct pressure helps to stop the bleeding by promoting clot formation and reducing blood flow from the wound. This method is effective in most cases and should be the first response to control bleeding. Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart can be helpful in some cases, but direct pressure is the initial recommended action. Applying a tourniquet proximal to the injury site should only be done as a last resort when other methods are not successful, as it can lead to complications such as tissue damage. Removing any impaled objects can actually worsen the bleeding and should be avoided unless necessary for immediate life-saving measures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to osteoporosis, which is a common complication. Osteoporosis causes weakening of the bones, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones such as the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporotic fractures are a significant concern in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, highlighting the importance of monitoring bone health and considering preventive measures such as calcium, Vitamin D supplementation, and regular bone density testing. While osteonecrosis of the femoral head and avascular necrosis of the talus can also occur as complications of corticosteroid use, osteoporotic fractures are more commonly associated with this type of therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Septic arthritis, on the other hand, is not directly related to corticosteroid use but can occur due to other factors such as joint infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When documenting pitting edema in a patient's notes, it is important to include details such as the degree of edema (A), duration of indentation (B), and depth of edema (D) as these parameters are relevant in assessing the severity of the condition and monitoring changes over time. However, mentioning the degree of temperature (C) is not directly related to assessing pitting edema. Temperature is typically assessed as part of a general physical assessment for signs of infection or inflammation and is not specifically needed when documenting pitting edema.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical findings of inspiratory crackles (also known as rales) and dullness to percussion are most consistent with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Inspiratory crackles are abnormal lung sounds heard on auscultation and are typically due to the presence of fluid or mucus in the alveoli. Dullness to percussion can indicate consolidation of lung tissue, which is a common finding in pneumonia where the alveolar spaces are filled with inflammatory exudate. These findings suggest localized lung pathology and are commonly observed in patients with pneumonia. Hemoptysis and pleuritic chest pain (Choice B) are more suggestive of pulmonary embolism or pleurisy. Clubbing of the fingers and cyanosis (Choice C) are signs of chronic hypoxemia and are not specific to pneumonia. Decreased breath sounds and tracheal deviation (Choice D) are more indicative of conditions such as a pneumoth

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most effective plan would be for the nurse to educate the entire family at the same time about the disease and medications to treat it (Option C). This approach ensures that each family member receives the same information and understanding about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and its treatment. By educating the entire family simultaneously, it creates a supportive environment where everyone is on the same page and can provide understanding and assistance to the individual with OCD, in this case, Mrs. Juan. It also allows for open communication and collaboration within the family unit, leading to better management and support for Mrs. Juan in dealing with her illness.