Adult Health Nursing Test Banks

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Betamethasone (Celestone) is a corticosteroid medication that is commonly used to promote fetal lung maturity in pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery. Administering betamethasone to the mother helps accelerate the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, which is essential for proper lung function and development. This medication is typically given to pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. It does not prevent premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, delay delivery, or stop premature uterine contractions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of a patient with diabetes mellitus showing symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, nocturia, and fatigue along with laboratory findings of hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and ketonuria is indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. The increased glucose levels lead to glycosuria, causing osmotic diuresis resulting in polyuria, polydipsia, and nocturia. The body starts breaking down fats for energy in the absence of sufficient insulin, leading to the production of ketones causing ketonuria. The patient may also experience fatigue due to the metabolic abnormalities present in DKA.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the mental status of the patient is the PRIORITY nursing action to determine the patient's ability to concentrate and focus. This assessment includes evaluating the patient's level of alertness, orientation, memory, thought processes, and mood. By observing the patient's mental status, the nurse can gain valuable information about the patient's cognitive function, attention span, and ability to concentrate. This assessment will help guide further interventions and care planning for the patient. Asking for academic performance or conducting paper and pencil tests may be useful tools to assess concentration and focus, but they should come after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's mental status. Referring the patient to a psychiatrist may be necessary based on the assessment findings, but it should not be the first step in determining the patient's ability to concentrate and focus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: X-ray is the most commonly used imaging modality to diagnose fractures of the long bones, such as the femur or tibia. X-rays are readily available, fast, cost-effective, and provide detailed images of the bone structures. Fractures appear as breaks or discontinuities in the bone on X-ray images, making it an excellent tool for diagnosing bone fractures. In many cases, X-rays are sufficient to confirm the presence, location, and type of fracture, allowing for appropriate treatment planning. Other imaging modalities like MRI and CT scans may be used for further evaluation in complex cases, but X-ray remains the initial and primary choice for diagnosing long bone fractures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Supplying the patient with paper tissues to use when touching doorknobs is the most appropriate response in this situation. This action acknowledges and respects the patient's anxiety while providing a practical solution to help her cope. Forcing her to touch doorknobs or discouraging her concerns would not address the underlying anxiety and may lead to increased distress. Encouraging her to scrub doorknobs with a strong antiseptic is not necessary and may exacerbate her anxiety. Explaining that her concerns are part of her illness may invalidate her feelings and is not a constructive way to address the situation. Supplying her with paper tissues allows her to feel more comfortable while still being able to navigate her daily activities.