Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's presentation of sudden-onset weakness and sensory loss on one side of the body, along with difficulty speaking and understanding speech that partially resolved within one hour, is consistent with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIAs are caused by temporary disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, leading to transient neurological symptoms. Unlike an ischemic stroke, which results in permanent damage to brain tissue due to prolonged interruption of blood flow, TIAs are transient and resolve within 24 hours. Hemorrhagic strokes and subarachnoid hemorrhages typically present with sudden, severe headaches, and may not improve or resolve quickly as seen in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bone pain in the back of the ribs is a classic manifestation of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that primarily affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to weakened bones and bone pain. Patients with multiple myeloma often experience bone pain in areas such as the ribs, spine, and pelvis. The bone pain is typically persistent and worsens with movement or pressure. Additionally, other common symptoms of multiple myeloma include anemia, kidney damage, recurrent infections, and elevated calcium levels in the blood.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with terminal cancer experiences dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and anxiety, opioid medications are often prioritized by palliative care providers for symptom management. Opioids are effective in relieving dyspnea by acting as respiratory depressants and reducing the feeling of air hunger. Additionally, opioids have sedative effects that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Therefore, in this situation, prescribing opioid medications would be the most appropriate intervention to address both the dyspnea and anxiety symptoms simultaneously. Oxygen therapy, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises may also be useful adjunctive interventions, but opioid medications are typically prioritized for immediate symptom relief in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering intravenous fluids as ordered is the most appropriate nursing action for a postpartum client exhibiting signs of severe dehydration. Severe dehydration, as indicated by dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and oliguria, requires immediate intervention to restore fluid balance effectively. Intravenous fluids deliver fluids directly into the bloodstream, ensuring rapid rehydration and addressing the critical situation promptly. Offering oral rehydration solutions may not be sufficient to address severe dehydration, and providing education on fluid intake can be important for prevention but is not the immediate priority in this scenario. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential, but initiating intravenous fluids promptly is crucial in managing severe dehydration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Follicular thyroid carcinoma is a type of thyroid cancer that arises from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma may present with a palpable thyroid nodule, which in this case is causing signs of hyperthyroidism due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones by the malignant cells. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealing follicular cells with nuclear features suggestive of malignancy further supports the diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma in this scenario.