Adult Health Nursing Test Banks

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient receiving palliative care for end-stage cancer experiences severe nausea and vomiting despite current antiemetic therapy, the palliative nurse should consider switching to a different antiemetic medication with a different mechanism of action. This approach is based on the concept of individual variability in response to medications, as well as the potential development of tolerance to a particular drug. Switching to a different antiemetic with a new mechanism of action can provide the patient with a fresh chance at better symptom control by targeting different receptors or pathways involved in nausea and vomiting. It is important to consult the healthcare team and consider the patient's overall condition and medication history before making any changes in the treatment plan.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder that results from a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein that plays a key role in platelet adhesion and the initiation of primary hemostasis. The clinical manifestations of von Willebrand disease include recurrent mucocutaneous bleeding, such as nosebleeds, easy bruising, and gum bleeding. Laboratory findings typically show a prolonged bleeding time due to impaired platelet function, while platelet count, PT (prothrombin time), and aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) are usually normal. This distinguishes von Willebrand disease from other bleeding disorders such as hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency), which would show abnormal PT and aPTT due to deficiencies in specific clotting factors. Thrombocytopenia, on the other hand, would be characterized by a low platelet count

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The indicators listed indicate measures that Nurse Cirila can take to maintain a safe environment for her pediatric patients. However, assessing the competencies of staff before delegating a task is more related to ensuring effective delegation and appropriate task assignment rather than directly ensuring a safe environment for patients. While it is important to delegate tasks to qualified staff, this specific action does not directly contribute to maintaining a safe environment in the same manner as the other indicators listed (proper waste disposal, infection control, emergency protocols).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Chest pain, dyspnea, hypotension, and ST-segment elevation on an ECG in the inferior leads are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction (MI). An acute MI occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage. This causes symptoms such as chest pain due to ischemia, dyspnea due to heart failure, and hypotension due to poor cardiac output. The ST-segment elevation seen on the ECG is indicative of significant myocardial injury. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial in acute MI to prevent further complications and to minimize damage to the heart muscle. It is important to differentiate an acute MI from stable or unstable angina or other cardiovascular disorders, as the management and prognosis vary significantly.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Breast tenderness is a hallmark symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which occurs in the days leading up to menstruation. This symptom is often associated with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Women may experience increased sensitivity and soreness in their breasts, making them feel tender or swollen. It is a common symptom of PMS and can vary in severity from one individual to another. Pelvic pain, postmenopausal bleeding, and dyspareunia are not typically considered hallmark symptoms of PMS.