Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Smoking. Smoking presents the greatest threat for respiratory disease due to the harmful chemicals in tobacco that can damage the lungs and lead to conditions like COPD and lung cancer. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for various respiratory issues. Exposure to radiation (B) can increase cancer risk but is not as directly linked to respiratory diseases. High-fat diet (C) may impact overall health but is not a primary risk factor for respiratory diseases. Alcohol consumption (D) can contribute to respiratory issues, but smoking is considered the most significant risk factor.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Bacterial meningitis alters intracranial physiology by causing cerebral edema, raised intracranial pressure, and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Cerebral edema is the accumulation of fluid in the brain tissue, leading to increased pressure. Raised intracranial pressure occurs due to the inflammation and swelling caused by the infection. Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier allows substances to pass through that would normally be blocked, contributing to the inflammatory response. Therefore, all of these changes are interconnected and commonly observed in bacterial meningitis cases. Choices A, B, and C individually describe specific alterations seen in bacterial meningitis but do not encompass the full spectrum of changes that occur, making them incorrect options.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Observe the patient for bleeding. Before a bone marrow biopsy, it is crucial to monitor the patient for bleeding tendencies as the procedure can cause bleeding. This step ensures early detection and prompt intervention if bleeding occurs. Explanation for other choices: A: Explaining the procedure to the family is important for informed consent but not the most crucial before the procedure. C: Administering an analgesic may be necessary for pain management but monitoring for bleeding takes precedence. D: Draping the biopsy site is important for maintaining a sterile field but does not directly impact patient safety like monitoring for bleeding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C being correct: 1. Restlessness: Indicates increased work of breathing and hypoxia. 2. Suprasternal retractions: Sign of respiratory distress. 3. paO2 of 62: Indicates severe hypoxemia, common in ARDS. Summary: A: Enlarged heart on x-ray does not directly indicate ARDS. B: Thick green sputum suggests infection, not specific to ARDS. D: Wheezes and slow respirations are not typical of ARDS, and pCO2 is normal in ARDS.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the patient to describe the type of reaction. First, the nurse needs to assess the severity of the latex allergy to determine the appropriate interventions. Understanding the type of reaction can help guide treatment and prevent future exposure. Isolating the patient (choice A) is not necessary unless there is a severe reaction. Terminating the interview (choice C) prematurely is not appropriate as crucial information may be missed. Documenting the allergy (choice D) is important but not as urgent as assessing the reaction type.