Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: For a patient diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke, the caregiver should ensure that the bed is positioned in a High-Fowler's position. This position involves elevating the head of the bed between 60 to 90 degrees. Elevating the head of the bed helps to reduce intracranial pressure and promote optimal cerebral perfusion. It also assists in maintaining proper ventilation and oxygenation, which are essential for the patient's recovery. It is important to avoid positioning the patient flat or in a prone position as these may exacerbate the condition and lead to further complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Prinzmetal's angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by episodes of chest pain that occur at rest and are relieved by nitroglycerin. Patients with Prinzmetal's angina may also have transient ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) during episodes of chest pain. This is due to coronary artery vasospasm, which causes temporary obstruction of blood flow to the heart muscle. Stable angina typically presents with chest pain on exertion that resolves with rest, while unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction present with chest pain that is not relieved with nitroglycerin and are associated with more severe coronary artery disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: It is crucial for patients with COPD who are prescribed prednisone to be educated about the importance of not abruptly stopping the medication. Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid that should be tapered off gradually under the guidance of a healthcare provider to prevent potential withdrawal symptoms and adrenal insufficiency. Suddenly stopping prednisone can lead to serious adverse effects, including fatigue, weakness, joint pain, fever, dizziness, and potentially life-threatening complications. Therefore, adherence to the prescribed tapering schedule is essential to ensure the safe and effective management of COPD exacerbations with prednisone therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The bioethical issue described in option A revolves around the concept of advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that outline a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate those wishes themselves. In this scenario, the issue pertains to the withholding of food and treatment based on a written advance directive that was made before the patient suffered permanent brain damage. This raises important ethical considerations about respecting a patient's autonomy and adhering to their previously expressed wishes, even in difficult circumstances. The decision to withhold treatment in such a situation is a complex bioethical issue that needs to be handled carefully while balancing the principles of autonomy and beneficence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presentation described is most consistent with a thyroid adenoma. Thyroid adenomas are benign neoplasms of the thyroid gland and can present as painless, gradually enlarging masses in the neck. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealing thyroid follicular cells further supports the diagnosis of a thyroid adenoma. Thyroglossal duct cysts typically present as midline neck masses that move with swallowing, while lymphadenopathy presents as enlarged lymph nodes and may be associated with infection or malignancy. Thyroid carcinoma may also present as a neck mass but is more likely to be associated with other features such as vocal cord paralysis, hoarseness, or enlarged cervical lymph nodes.