Which of the following laboratory findings is most consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe condition characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs leading to increased pulmonary vascular permeability, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. In ARDS, the alveolar-capillary barrier is disrupted, resulting in fluid accumulation in the alveoli and impaired gas exchange.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Coordinating with radiology or gastroenterology for procedural guidance is crucial to ensure the success of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion. This procedure is typically performed under endoscopic guidance to ensure proper placement of the tube into the stomach through the abdominal wall. Radiology or gastroenterology professionals are trained to perform and guide the insertion procedure, making their involvement essential for a successful outcome. Additionally, their expertise helps minimize the risk of complications during and after the PEG tube placement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for the palliative nurse to prioritize in this situation is to arrange for family members or loved ones to be present at the patient's bedside. Having loved ones nearby can provide emotional support, comfort, and reassurance to the patient during their final moments. This can help alleviate the fear and anxiety the patient is experiencing about dying alone. Additionally, it can contribute to a sense of connectedness and peace for both the patient and their loved ones during this challenging time. Offering practical solutions to address the patient's emotional needs is key in providing holistic palliative care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and cyanosis in a postpartum client could be indicative of a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. Therefore, it is crucial to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and management. Prompt intervention is essential in this situation to prevent any potential complications and ensure the client receives appropriate care as soon as possible. Placing the client in a semi-Fowler's position or administering supplemental oxygen therapy may provide temporary relief, but the priority is to seek immediate medical attention. Consulting with the healthcare provider ensures that the client receives the necessary interventions promptly.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osteoarthritis in the hip joint can lead to weakness or dysfunction in the hip abductor muscles, causing a Trendelenburg gait. This gait abnormality is characterized by a dropping of the pelvis on the opposite side of the affected hip during weight-bearing on the affected leg. It is a common clinical manifestation of hip osteoarthritis due to the muscle weakness and altered mechanics in the hip joint. Baker's cyst is associated with knee osteoarthritis, Heberden's nodes are commonly seen in osteoarthritis of the fingers, and Swan-neck deformity is typically seen in rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Confirming the patient's informed consent before the procedure is the most crucial action for the nurse to prioritize to ensure procedural safety during a thoracentesis. Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement that ensures the patient understands the purpose of the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. By confirming informed consent, the nurse ensures that the patient has the necessary information and has willingly agreed to undergo the procedure. This process promotes patient autonomy, prevents misunderstandings, and reduces the likelihood of legal issues related to the procedure. Additionally, verifying informed consent helps establish a foundation of trust between the healthcare team and the patient. While other actions like positioning the patient correctly and ensuring pre-procedure antibiotics may also contribute to the safety of the procedure, obtaining informed consent is the foundational step that must be prioritized.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Antipsychotic medications, especially first-generation antipsychotics, can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) as an adverse effect. EPS include symptoms such as muscle rigidity, tremors, akathisia (restlessness), and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face and body). These symptoms are due to the medications' effects on the dopamine system in the brain. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the patient closely for EPS because they can be uncomfortable, distressing, and may impact the patient's quality of life and medication adherence. Early recognition and management of EPS are essential to prevent further complications and improve the patient's overall well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Inductive reasoning is the process of drawing general conclusions from specific observations or examples. It is often used in qualitative research to develop theories or explanations based on the data collected. Qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena in their natural settings and uses inductive reasoning to interpret and make sense of the data. This approach allows researchers to explore complex issues and uncover new insights by analyzing the details and patterns within the data.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Arterial blood gases (ABGs) do not directly assess the client's electrolyte and fluid balance. ABGs primarily evaluate the client's acid-base balance and oxygenation status by measuring levels of pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3) in the arterial blood. While ABGs can provide some information about blood parameters, such as oxygen saturation, they do not comprehensively assess electrolyte levels or fluid balance. To specifically assess electrolytes and fluid balance, additional tests like basic metabolic panels or comprehensive metabolic panels would be required.