You are volunteering in the medical tent of a road race on a hot, humid day. A runner who has collapsed on the road is brought in with the following symptoms: sunken eyes, a body temperature of 100F, and a complaint of dizziness while sitting to have his blood pressure taken (which subsides upon his lying down). These are signs of a fluid volume deficit. Which of the following treatments should be carried out first?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Give him an electrolyte solution by mouth. This is the first step because the runner is showing signs of dehydration, indicated by sunken eyes and dizziness. Providing electrolyte solution by mouth helps replenish lost fluids and essential electrolytes. Option A, offering water by mouth, may not be enough to address the electrolyte imbalance. Option B, cooling the body, is not the priority when the primary concern is fluid deficit. Option C, giving a transfusion of FFP, is unnecessary and not indicated for fluid volume deficit. Administering an electrolyte solution addresses the immediate need for rehydration and helps restore the body's electrolyte balance efficiently.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum potassium 2.8 mEq/L. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can result from diuretic use, leading to heart rhythm disturbances. Potassium is crucial for proper heart function. Choice A, serum sodium 135 mEq/L, is within normal range and not indicative of a potassium imbalance. Choice C, serum calcium 8.5 mg/dL, and choice D, serum phosphate 3.5 mg/dL, are not directly related to potassium imbalance. Monitoring serum potassium levels is vital in patients on diuretics to prevent potential complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver failure. The symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and decreased albumin levels are indicative of liver failure. Liver failure can lead to decreased albumin synthesis, causing fluid accumulation in the body leading to swelling in the legs. Chronic kidney disease (A) typically presents with other symptoms like elevated creatinine levels. Congestive heart failure (C) usually presents with symptoms like shortness of breath and edema, but not typically low albumin levels. Hypothyroidism (D) can cause fatigue and weight gain, but it does not directly lead to decreased albumin levels and leg swelling.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ideal body weight (IBW) is a crucial concept in nutrition and health as it represents the weight that is associated with optimal health. Option A, "optimal weight for optimal health," is the correct answer because IBW is determined based on factors such as age, height, gender, and body composition that are linked to overall health and well-being. Achieving and maintaining IBW is important for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall wellness. Option B, "weighing 10 pounds less than recommended," is incorrect because IBW is not about being underweight but about being at a healthy weight for one's individual characteristics. Deviating significantly from the recommended weight can lead to health complications. Option C, "a weight that is predetermined for all people," is incorrect because IBW is highly individualized and varies from person to person based on their unique physiological and lifestyle factors. There is no one-size-fits-all weight that applies to everyone. Option D, "the weight at which one feels most attractive," is incorrect as IBW is not about aesthetics or subjective feelings but about supporting overall health and functioning. In an educational context, understanding the concept of ideal body weight is essential for health professionals, nutritionists, and individuals seeking to make informed decisions about their weight and overall wellness. By grasping the importance of IBW and how it is determined, individuals can work towards achieving a healthy weight that supports their long-term health goals.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of a hospitalized patient who has been NPO (nothing by mouth) with only intravenous fluid intake for a prolonged period, protein-calorie malnutrition can be indicated by poor wound healing, apathy, and edema (Option B). Poor wound healing is a common sign of protein deficiency as proteins are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Apathy can be a result of inadequate calorie intake, which affects overall energy levels and mental well-being. Edema, or swelling due to fluid retention, can occur in cases of protein-calorie malnutrition due to imbalances in fluid and protein levels in the body. The other options are incorrect: - Option A includes fever, joint pain, and dehydration, which are more commonly associated with conditions like infections or dehydration rather than protein-calorie malnutrition. - Option C lists sleep disturbances, anger, and increased output, which are not specific indicators of protein-calorie malnutrition. - Option D mentions weight gain, visual deficits, and erythema of the skin, which are not typical signs of protein-calorie malnutrition. Educationally, understanding the signs of protein-calorie malnutrition is crucial for healthcare providers to promptly identify and address nutritional deficiencies in hospitalized patients. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the healing process and overall well-being of patients, making it essential to be able to recognize and address malnutrition early to prevent further complications.