Adult Health Nursing Answer Key

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nurse Vera should focus on the last menstrual period when assessing the health condition of the pregnant patient because it is crucial for determining the estimated due date of the pregnancy. Knowing the date of the last menstrual period allows healthcare providers to calculate the gestational age of the fetus, monitor the progress of the pregnancy, and identify any potential issues or complications that may arise. Additionally, the last menstrual period is necessary for accurate dating of the pregnancy and scheduling prenatal care visits and screenings. By focusing on the last menstrual period, Nurse Vera can gather important information that will guide the management and care of the pregnant patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the grading system used for edema, +1 indicates no visible edema in the leg, +2 indicates slight edema with indentations that quickly resolve, +3 indicates moderate edema with deeper indentations that may take longer to resolve, and +4 indicates severe edema with very swollen legs. In this case, since the edema is described as slightly swollen, the appropriate grade to document would be +2.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to improve respiratory mechanics is the most appropriate intervention for managing paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea in a patient with end-stage heart failure. By keeping the head of the bed elevated, gravity helps reduce the pooling of fluid in the lungs, making it easier for the patient to breathe and reducing dyspnea. This strategy can help improve oxygenation and decrease the sensation of breathlessness, providing relief for the patient. Administering diuretic medications (Option A) can also be beneficial to reduce fluid overload, although positioning remains a key intervention. Encouraging the patient to sleep in a reclined position (Option C) can help alleviate symptoms, but specifically elevating the head of the bed is a more targeted approach. Referring the patient to a sleep specialist (Option D) may not be necessary at this time, as the primary concern is managing the acute symptom of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Enamel hypoplasia is a common oral manifestation of celiac disease characterized by defects in the enamel of the teeth. These defects can appear as horizontal or vertical grooves on the teeth. Enamel hypoplasia is caused by disruptions in the formation of enamel during tooth development, leading to thin enamel or localized pitting. It can affect the appearance and strength of the teeth, making them more prone to sensitivity and breakdown. In individuals with celiac disease, enamel hypoplasia may occur due to malabsorption of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, when observing oral manifestations such as enamel defects with grooves, it is important to consider the possibility of celiac disease as an underlying cause.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Long-term corticosteroid use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to osteoporosis, which is a common complication. Osteoporosis causes weakening of the bones, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones such as the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporotic fractures are a significant concern in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, highlighting the importance of monitoring bone health and considering preventive measures such as calcium, Vitamin D supplementation, and regular bone density testing. While osteonecrosis of the femoral head and avascular necrosis of the talus can also occur as complications of corticosteroid use, osteoporotic fractures are more commonly associated with this type of therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Septic arthritis, on the other hand, is not directly related to corticosteroid use but can occur due to other factors such as joint infections.