Adult Health Nursing Answer Key

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pain is best described as a subjective unpleasant experience because it is unique to each individual and is influenced by a variety of factors including emotional, psychological, and cultural elements. Pain cannot be objectively measured or quantified, and therefore it is considered a subjective experience that is reported by the person experiencing it. This is why pain is often assessed using self-report scales and tools to capture the individual's perception of their pain intensity and quality.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most likely cause of the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleeding with a tender, firm uterus at 28 weeks gestation is abruptio placentae. Abruptio placentae, also known as placental abruption, is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. This condition can be life-threatening to both the mother and the fetus, as it can lead to severe bleeding and compromise the oxygen and nutrients supply to the fetus. The presentation typically includes severe abdominal pain, dark red or maroon vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, and a firm uterus due to the blood accumulation behind the placenta. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Following surgical fixation of a tibial shaft fracture with an intramedullary nail, healthcare providers should monitor for the development of fat embolism syndrome (FES) in the immediate postoperative period. FES is a serious complication that occurs when fat droplets from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and cause respiratory and neurological symptoms. Clinical manifestations of FES may include dyspnea, tachypnea, petechial rash, altered mental status, and hypoxemia. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential in managing fat embolism syndrome to prevent serious complications such as respiratory failure and neurological deficits. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of FES is crucial in the postoperative care of patients undergoing surgical fixation of long bone fractures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A cohort study design would be appropriate in this scenario. Cohort studies follow a group of individuals over a period of time to assess how their current health status, personal characteristics, and potential risk factors may contribute to the development of certain outcomes or diseases. By collecting data at different time points on the same group of individuals, cohort studies allow researchers to establish associations between exposures and outcomes, providing valuable information on causality. In this case, using a cohort study design would allow for a comprehensive examination of how various factors impact health outcomes over time.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hurthle cell carcinoma is a subtype of thyroid cancer that arises from the follicular cells in the thyroid gland. Patients with Hurthle cell carcinoma may present with a painful thyroid nodule, which can be associated with signs of hypothyroidism due to the disruption of thyroid hormone production by the tumor. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealing Hurthle cells with nuclear features suggestive of malignancy is a characteristic finding in this type of carcinoma.