Which of the following structures is responsible for transporting food from the oral cavity to the esophagus during swallowing?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is the structure responsible for transporting food from the oral cavity to the esophagus during swallowing. When food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the oral cavity, it forms a bolus that is propelled to the pharynx by the tongue. The pharynx serves as a common passageway for both air and food, allowing the bolus to pass into the esophagus while preventing it from entering the trachea. The epiglottis, although important in preventing food from entering the airway, is not directly involved in the transportation of food from the oral cavity to the esophagus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Opioid medications are considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for dyspnea in palliative care patients with advanced cancer. Opioids help relieve dyspnea by reducing respiratory drive and the sensation of breathlessness, providing effective symptom management. In this case, addressing the patient's dyspnea with opioid medications would likely also help alleviate their anxiety related to breathlessness. Administering oxygen therapy (choice A) may not be effective at relieving dyspnea in this situation, as dyspnea in advanced cancer patients is often not primarily due to low oxygen levels. Teaching pursed-lip breathing techniques (choice B) and referring the patient to a respiratory therapist for breathing exercises (choice D) may be helpful complementary interventions, but opioid medications should be the priority for symptom management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The statement that the preschooler can alternate feet when climbing is not true. Typically, preschoolers at this age group are still developing their coordination and may not have mastered the skill of alternating feet while climbing. It is more common for them to use one foot after the other while climbing. This skill usually requires more advanced motor development and coordination, which may come later in the preschool years.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most significant contributory factor to the development of lung cancer is being a cigarette smoker. Cigarette smoking is directly linked to approximately 85% of lung cancer cases. The harmful substances in tobacco smoke, such as carcinogens, damage the cells in the lungs, leading to the development of cancer over time. Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Therefore, being a cigarette smoker is the primary and most influential risk factor for developing lung cancer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of sudden-onset unilateral facial droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech that partially resolved within 30 minutes is more consistent with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) rather than an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. TIAs are caused by temporary decreases in blood flow to a specific area of the brain, leading to transient neurological deficits that typically last for less than 24 hours. In this case, the symptoms partially resolving suggest a temporary and reversible ischemic event, characteristic of a TIA. Ischemic strokes involve more prolonged or permanent impairment due to blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding within the brain tissue or the surrounding membranes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of painless, progressive visual field loss, especially in the peripheral vision, along with an open iridocorneal angle is characteristic of open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is a type of glaucoma where there is no physical obstruction to the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, but there is gradual damage to the optic nerve over time. The gradual loss of peripheral vision is a common early symptom of open-angle glaucoma. It is essential to diagnose and manage open-angle glaucoma promptly to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse does not need to determine the age of Excel when planning for Sonny's oxygen therapy. This information is irrelevant to the specific care requirements of Sonny's oxygen therapy. Sonny's age, medical history, respiratory status, and oxygen needs are the key considerations in planning for his oxygen therapy. The nurse should focus on factors such as the need for a humidifier, length of tubing, and the manner of administering oxygen (continuous or intermittent) to ensure effective and safe delivery of oxygen therapy to Sonny.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Calcium carbonate should be taken with meals because it requires the presence of stomach acid to be properly absorbed. Taking it with meals helps ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness as a phosphate binder in patients with chronic kidney disease. Administering calcium carbonate on an empty stomach may lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, bloating, and constipation. Taking it with a full glass of water is also recommended to help prevent potential gastrointestinal issues and to ensure proper hydration. Crushing tablets before administration is not advised unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider, as it can alter the drug's release and absorption properties.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that is characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in subcutaneous and other interstitial tissues. This condition leads to puffiness, swelling, and thickening of the skin, giving it a waxy appearance. Other symptoms of myxedema include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and hair loss. It is important to recognize and treat myxedema promptly as it can lead to serious complications such as myxedema coma, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.