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: The best time to visit the clinic for the first prenatal care is during the first trimester of pregnancy, ideally before the 12th week. This is because early prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the developing baby, identifying any risk factors or complications early on, and initiating important interventions such as prenatal vitamins and screenings. By starting prenatal care early in the first trimester, potential issues can be identified and addressed promptly, leading to better pregnancy outcomes. It is important for pregnant women to seek early prenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The palliative nurse should prioritize performing thoracentesis to drain the pleural fluid and relieve dyspnea in a patient with terminal cancer experiencing pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is a common complication in patients with advanced cancer and can cause significant respiratory distress. Drainage of the pleural fluid through thoracentesis can provide immediate relief by easing the pressure on the lungs and improving the patient's ability to breathe. This intervention is essential in managing dyspnea for comfort and quality of life in palliative care settings. Administering bronchodilator medications (option A) or recommending non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (option C) may not directly address the underlying cause of dyspnea in this case. While relaxation techniques (option D) can help with anxiety and overall well-being, they may not be sufficient in managing the physical symptom of dyspnea caused by pleural effusion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: If a nurse notices a discrepancy between the surgical count and the number of instruments on the sterile field during surgery, it is crucial to inform the surgical team immediately and initiate a thorough search. Patient safety is of utmost importance, and any missing instruments could potentially pose a risk to the patient. By informing the team and conducting a thorough search, the missing instrument can be located promptly to ensure it is not inadvertently left inside the patient's body. Continuing with the procedure or ignoring the discrepancy without further investigation could lead to serious consequences for the patient's well-being. It is always better to address any discrepancies or concerns during surgery proactively to maintain a high standard of patient care and safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nurse Cora should consider statement C as TRUE with anorexia nervosa. Cultures that portray thinness as the ideal standard of beauty can increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa. This is because individuals may internalize these societal norms and feel pressure to attain the thin ideal, leading to disordered eating behaviors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the given situation, the nursing diagnosis that is NOT RELEVANT to sexual health is option B, Health-seeking behaviors related to reproductive functioning. This diagnosis focuses on the patient's proactive approach to seeking healthcare services related to reproductive health matters. However, in the situation presented of a pregnant patient with sickle cell anemia experiencing fever, painful swelling, and in labor pain, the immediate priority lies in addressing the health issues related to sickle cell disease and the current pregnancy. Sexual health is not the primary concern in this scenario compared to managing the complications of sickle cell anemia during pregnancy. Therefore, the diagnosis related to health-seeking behaviors related to reproductive functioning is not as pertinent in this specific case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent eclampsia, but it can lead to toxicity if levels become too high. One common sign of magnesium toxicity is increased deep tendon reflexes, also known as hyperreflexia. This occurs because magnesium is a muscle relaxant, and elevated levels can lead to over-relaxation of muscles, causing an exaggerated reflex response. Other signs of magnesium toxicity include respiratory depression, decreased urine output, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, in a woman receiving intravenous magnesium sulfate during labor, an increase in deep tendon reflexes would indicate potential toxicity and require immediate intervention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The ethical principle that should guide the nurse's decision-making in this situation is beneficence, which emphasizes the nurse's obligation to act in the best interest of the patient. In this scenario, the nurse must balance the patient's request for pain medication with considerations related to the patient's history of substance abuse. The nurse should prioritize providing effective pain relief for the patient while also considering the potential risks of administering medication to someone with a history of substance abuse. By focusing on beneficence, the nurse can make decisions that promote the well-being and best interests of the patient, taking into account both the immediate need for pain relief and the patient's history of substance abuse.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When the anesthesiologist visits a patient to explain the anesthesia for surgery, the most likely type of anesthesia to be ordered in this scenario would be general anesthesia. General anesthesia is a state of controlled unconsciousness where the patient is completely unaware and unresponsive during the procedure. This type of anesthesia is typically used for surgeries that are more complex, lengthy, or invasive, requiring the patient to be completely still and asleep throughout the operation.