Your patient's physician told him that he has hemophilia. You are asked to teach the signs and symptoms of this disease. You respond by saying

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) Excessive bleeding after minor trauma. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the blood's ability to clot properly. Individuals with hemophilia lack certain clotting factors, leading to prolonged bleeding even after minor injuries. Teaching the signs and symptoms of hemophilia is crucial for patient safety and early intervention. Option A) Clot formation, especially in the veins of the lower extremities, is incorrect because hemophilia actually leads to difficulty in clot formation, not excess clotting. Option B) Low blood counts and fatigue due to lack of adequate red blood cell production is incorrect as hemophilia specifically affects clotting factors, not red blood cell production. Option C) High blood counts and clot formation under the nails is incorrect as hemophilia results in difficulty forming clots, not excessive clotting. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of hemophilia is essential for healthcare providers to recognize and respond promptly to bleeding episodes in patients with this condition to prevent complications and provide appropriate care. Teaching patients about these signs also empowers them to seek medical attention promptly when needed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct response is option C: "Swelling due to the initial trauma may make the injury seem more severe than it actually is. A more accurate assessment will be made once the swelling goes down." This answer is correct because in cases of acute trauma, such as an automobile accident, initial swelling and inflammation can mask the true extent of the injury. It is crucial to wait for the swelling to subside before making a definitive assessment of the condition. Option A is incorrect because it oversimplifies the situation by attributing the inability to move legs solely to swelling, ignoring the possibility of underlying spinal cord or nerve damage. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on rehabilitation without addressing the immediate need for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Option D is irrelevant and inappropriate as it places blame on the individual rather than addressing the urgent medical concern. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of clinical assessment skills in emergency situations. It emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to consider the complexities of trauma evaluation, including the impact of swelling on initial presentations. Understanding the nuances of assessing acute injuries can lead to more accurate diagnoses and timely interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that covers nerve endings, leading to impaired nerve function. This damage results in abnormal sensations like burning and prickling. Therefore, option C, stating that the myelin cover of the nerve endings is absent, is correct because it directly links the symptoms to the pathophysiology of the condition. Option A, lying too long on the affected side, is incorrect as it does not relate to the neurological nature of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Option B suggesting a medication response is also incorrect as the symptoms are not typically caused by medication in this context. Option D, mentioning dysphagia, is incorrect as dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and is not directly related to the sensory symptoms experienced in Guillain-Barré syndrome. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the pathophysiology of Guillain-Barré syndrome to effectively manage and educate patients about their condition. By knowing the underlying cause of symptoms like burning and prickling sensations, healthcare professionals can provide accurate information and support to individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C: Pain and numbness or tingling sensation in the hand over the palmar surface of the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and lateral aspect of the ring finger, that is worse at night. This is because carpal tunnel syndrome commonly presents with these symptoms due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome often report worsening symptoms at night due to positioning of the hand during sleep. Option A is incorrect because crepitus is not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It is more indicative of osteoarthritis where there is loss of articular cartilage and bony overgrowth in the joint. Option B is incorrect as excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine (kyphosis) is not a typical finding in carpal tunnel syndrome. It is more commonly seen in conditions like osteoporosis leading to pathologic vertebral fractures. Option D is incorrect as acute onset of excruciating pain in the joint due to accumulation of uric acid within the joint is characteristic of gout, not carpal tunnel syndrome. Educationally, understanding the specific symptoms and signs associated with different conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in healthcare settings. This rationale highlights the importance of recognizing the key features of carpal tunnel syndrome to differentiate it from other conditions with similar manifestations, aiding in providing appropriate care for patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Airway, breathing, circulation, and wound site. When a patient like Dominic is transferred to the PACU from the OR, the initial assessment should prioritize the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to ensure his vital functions are stable post-surgery. Checking the wound site is crucial to monitor for any signs of bleeding, infection, or complications from the surgical procedure. Option B) Intake, output, and intravenous access focuses more on fluid balance and monitoring, which is important but not the priority immediately post-surgery. Option C) Abdominal sounds, oxygen level, and level of consciousness are important assessments but should come after ensuring the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation are stable. Option D) Pulse oximetry, pupil responses, and deep tendon reflexes are valuable assessments but are secondary to the immediate concerns of airway, breathing, circulation, and wound site evaluation in the PACU. Understanding the prioritization of assessments in the PACU is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and prompt intervention if any issues arise post-surgery, making option A the most appropriate choice for Dominic's initial assessment.