Adult Health Nursing Answer Key

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's priority action when noticing a malfunctioning anesthesia machine in the operating room should be to inform the anesthesia provider immediately. Anesthesia providers are responsible for administering anesthesia safely during surgical procedures, and they need to be made aware of any equipment issues promptly to ensure patient safety. Continuing with the surgical procedure using a malfunctioning anesthesia machine can pose serious risks to the patient's well-being. Using an alternative anesthesia machine may be an option, but informing the anesthesia provider first ensures that the appropriate action is taken to address the issue effectively. Documenting the malfunction in the equipment log is important for record-keeping purposes, but it should not take precedence over informing the anesthesia provider and taking immediate action to address the problem.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for conditions involving excessive stomach acid production, such as peptic ulcer disease. One of the potential adverse effects of PPIs, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, is the risk of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the bloodstream. Prolonged use of PPIs can inhibit the absorption of potassium in the intestines, leading to a decrease in potassium levels in the body. Hypokalemia can present with symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, it can result in life-threatening complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia while on PPI therapy, especially if the patient is at risk for developing electrolyte imbalances.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The described clinical presentation of a yellowish-white spot on the cornea with a ring of inflammation, along with branching, filamentous opacities extending from the corneal lesion, is highly suggestive of fungal keratitis. Fungal keratitis is commonly caused by filamentous fungi such as Fusarium and Aspergillus species. The characteristic finding of branching, filamentous opacities seen on slit-lamp examination is classic for fungal infections of the cornea. It is important to promptly diagnose and treat fungal keratitis since delayed or inadequate management can result in vision-threatening complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A is the most appropriate nursing intervention to facilitate effective communication with the 80-year-old male patient. This approach involves waiting for the patient to be fully awake before discussing important information about the surgery and potential post-surgery events with both the patient and family. This allows the patient to fully comprehend the information provided and ask any necessary questions. Effective communication is crucial in promoting patient understanding and cooperation, especially in older adults who may require additional time to process information due to factors such as age-related cognitive changes. It is important to ensure that the patient receives clear and accurate information to support their recovery process and reduce anxiety.