Adult Health Nursing Answer Key

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Patient Sonia, who has hypothyroidism, would benefit from treatment with levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and is commonly prescribed to replace the deficient thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism. It helps restore the thyroid hormone levels in the body, relieving symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance that are characteristic of hypothyroidism. Propranolol is a beta-blocker used for conditions like hypertension, anxiety, and migraines; iron pills are used to treat iron deficiency anemia; and iodine supplementation is not typically used in the treatment of hypothyroidism unless it is due to iodine deficiency.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. The symptoms the postpartum client is experiencing - persistent, severe abdominal pain, distention, and absent bowel sounds - are concerning and could indicate a serious underlying issue such as bowel obstruction or other complications. Prompt communication with the healthcare provider is crucial to ensure the client receives the necessary assessment, intervention, and treatment. Encouraging ambulation, providing a heating pad, or administering a laxative are not appropriate actions in this case without first consulting with the healthcare provider due to the severity and potential complexity of the client's symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The clinical presentation described is highly suggestive of acute angle-closure glaucoma. This condition typically presents with sudden-onset severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The red eye, steamy cornea (due to corneal edema), and mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil (from the unopposed force of the dilator muscle) are classic findings in acute angle-closure glaucoma. The increase in intraocular pressure compromises blood flow to the eye, leading to symptoms of blurred vision and possible visual loss. Immediate management usually involves lowering intraocular pressure with medications or surgical intervention to prevent vision loss. Central retinal artery occlusion, optic neuritis, and corneal ulcer typically present with different clinical features and are not consistent with the described presentation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: During the first contact with a patient, a nurse should demonstrate caring, encouraging, and comforting behaviors. These qualities help create a positive and supportive environment for the patient. However, compelling behavior, which implies forcing or pressuring someone to do something, is not appropriate during the initial interaction with a patient. It is essential for the nurse to build trust and rapport with the patient, and compelling behavior can be counterproductive to establishing a nurturing relationship. Thus, compelling is the exception among the given choices for the nurse's behavior during the first contact with a patient.

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.