Which respiratory disease causes a restrictive, parenchymal pattern of illness?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Sarcoidosis, which causes a restrictive, parenchymal pattern of illness. Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the lungs, causing granulomatous inflammation in the lung tissue. This leads to fibrosis and a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests, limiting lung expansion and decreasing lung volumes. A) Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, not a respiratory disease causing a restrictive pattern. B) Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, resulting in reversible airflow limitation, not a restrictive pattern. D) Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing fusion and stiffness, but it does not typically cause a restrictive pulmonary pattern. Educationally, understanding the characteristic patterns of respiratory diseases is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately assess and manage patients. Recognizing the specific features of each condition helps in making appropriate diagnostic and treatment decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When blood is exposed to the environment of the stomach, it often resembles 'coffee grounds.' This is not always recognized by patients as blood, so it is important to inquire about this. This symptom is not common in cholecystitis, and the other possibilities occur lower in the intestine. It should be noted that conversely, rapid bleeding from the stomach or other upper gastrointestinal source can produce bright red blood in the stool. Do not rule out proximal bleeding on the basis of the absence of 'coffee grounds.' Likewise, bright red blood seen with emesis may originate from the stomach. Black, sticky stools also can accompany upper GI bleeding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) 3+. Bounding pulses indicate a significant increase in the strength and amplitude of the pulse, often associated with conditions like peripheral vascular disease. This strength is graded on a scale from 0 to 3, with 3+ representing the highest intensity or bounding pulse. Option A) 0 is incorrect because it indicates an absent pulse, which is not the case in this scenario. Options C) 2+ and D) 1+ both represent pulses with varying degrees of strength, but they do not accurately describe the bounding nature of the pulses seen in peripheral vascular disease. Educationally, understanding how to assess and interpret pulses is crucial for healthcare providers, especially in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Recognizing bounding pulses can provide valuable diagnostic information and guide appropriate interventions for the patient's care. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be proficient in assessing vital signs and recognizing abnormalities to provide optimal patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of a client with bacterial meningitis, the best choice for a hospital room is Option B) An isolation room three doors from the nurses' station. This option is correct because bacterial meningitis is highly contagious and requires strict isolation precautions to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and healthcare workers. Placing the client in an isolation room helps contain the infectious agent and reduces the risk of transmission. Option A) A private room down the hall from the nurses' station is not the best choice because it does not provide the necessary isolation needed for a client with bacterial meningitis. Option C) A semiprivate room with a 32-year-old client who has viral meningitis is also not appropriate as it can increase the risk of cross-infection between the two clients. Option D) A two-bed room with a client who previously had bacterial meningitis is not ideal as the client may still be a carrier of the bacteria and pose a risk of reinfection. From an educational standpoint, this scenario highlights the importance of understanding the specific isolation requirements for infectious diseases and the critical role of infection control measures in preventing the spread of communicable diseases in healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about proper isolation protocols to ensure the safety of both patients and staff members.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) A 46-year-old patient who was admitted 48 hours ago with bacterial meningitis and has an antibiotic dose due. This patient is the best choice for the RN floated from the medical unit because they require timely administration of antibiotics for their bacterial meningitis. This task aligns closely with the medical unit's scope of practice, as administering medications is a common nursing responsibility in that setting. Option A) involves a patient with a basilar skull fracture and clear drainage, which may require neurologic assessments and interventions beyond the typical scope of a medical unit RN. Option B) presents a patient with a ruptured berry aneurysm, a complex neurologic condition that necessitates specialized care and monitoring. Option D) features a patient with an astrocytoma post-craniotomy, requiring neurologic surveillance and expertise that exceed the capabilities of a medical unit RN. By selecting option C, the RN from the medical unit can effectively contribute to the care of a patient needing medication administration, a task well within their competency level. This scenario provides a valuable educational context by highlighting the importance of aligning nursing assignments with staff competencies to ensure safe and effective patient care.