Why does the nurse advise a client with painless lesions, after exposure to anthrax, to avoid contact with others?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Because the lesions may release more spores. Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores that can be released from skin lesions. By advising the client to avoid contact with others, the nurse is helping prevent the spread of these spores to other individuals, thus reducing the risk of secondary infections. Option A is incorrect because the primary concern is not the client being exposed to pathogens but rather preventing the spread of anthrax spores to others. Option B is incorrect as the main focus is not on causing distress or panic but on the transmission of the disease. Option D is also incorrect because while skin infection is one form of anthrax, the main reason for advising isolation is to prevent spore release and transmission. In an educational context, understanding the modes of transmission of infectious diseases such as anthrax is crucial for nurses to provide effective patient care and prevent the spread of illness in the community. By knowing the rationale behind isolation precautions, nurses can protect both the affected individual and the public from further harm.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the goals of treatment is crucial for patient education. In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Control. The primary goal of this type of treatment, which involves initial therapy followed by maintenance treatments and ongoing observation, is to control the condition rather than to cure it outright. This approach is commonly seen in chronic diseases where complete cure may not be possible, but managing symptoms and preventing complications are key. Option A) Cure is incorrect because the scenario mentions ongoing observation for signs and symptoms over a prolonged period, indicating that complete eradication of the condition is not the primary goal. Option C) Palliation is also incorrect as palliative care focuses on improving quality of life and managing symptoms in patients with serious illnesses, typically in advanced stages, rather than on prolonged courses of treatment with maintenance therapies. Option D) Permanent remission is not the primary goal in this scenario as it suggests a complete and enduring absence of disease activity, which may not be achievable or the main focus of the treatment plan outlined. Educationally, understanding the goals of treatment helps patients manage expectations, adhere to treatment plans, and actively participate in their care. It empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health and promotes a collaborative relationship with healthcare providers.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct order of priority for assessing and caring for patients is as follows: 1. A) A patient who developed tumor lysis syndrome around 5:00 am. 2. C) A patient scheduled for exploratory laparotomy this morning. 3. B) A patient with frequent reports of break-through pain over the past 24 hours. 4. D) A patient with anticipatory nausea and vomiting for the past 24 hours. The rationale for prioritizing the patient with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is based on the urgency of this condition. TLS is a potentially life-threatening oncologic emergency that requires prompt assessment and intervention to prevent metabolic derangements such as hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and acute kidney injury. The patient scheduled for exploratory laparotomy also requires timely assessment and preparation for surgery, as any delays could impact their surgical outcome and recovery. The patient experiencing break-through pain should be assessed next, as uncontrolled pain can significantly impact their quality of life and may indicate ineffective pain management strategies that need adjustment. Lastly, the patient with anticipatory nausea and vomiting, while important to address, can be managed after addressing the more urgent and critical conditions presented by the other patients. This prioritization is crucial for ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care based on the severity and urgency of their conditions, highlighting the importance of triaging and managing patients effectively in a medical-surgical setting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and the prevention of lung cancer, the most important risk factor to communicate to patients is option A) Cigarette smoking. This is because cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for around 85% of cases. When educating patients about lung cancer prevention, emphasizing the detrimental effects of smoking on lung health is crucial. Option B) Exposure to environmental/occupational carcinogens is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, but it is not as prevalent or directly linked to lung cancer as cigarette smoking. Option C) Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is harmful, but the risk is lower compared to active smoking. Option D) Pipe or cigar smoking also increases the risk of lung cancer, but again, the association is weaker compared to cigarette smoking. Educationally, it is essential to provide clear and evidence-based information to patients about the primary risk factors for lung cancer to empower them to make informed decisions about their health. By highlighting the overwhelming link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, patients can understand the importance of smoking cessation in reducing their risk of developing this deadly disease.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Metabolic alkalosis (D). Excessive intake of antacids containing bicarbonate or calcium carbonate can lead to metabolic alkalosis. Symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, muscle cramping, weakness, and tetany are consistent with elevated blood pH levels due to increased bicarbonate levels.