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A patient with terminal cancer is experiencing severe pain despite receiving analgesics. Which intervention by the palliative nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Increase the dose of analgesics.
- B. Administer a different type of analgesic.
- C. Recommend non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
- D. Consult with a pain management specialist.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a situation where a patient with terminal cancer is experiencing severe pain despite receiving analgesics, consulting with a pain management specialist is the most appropriate intervention. Pain management specialists have expertise in managing complex pain situations, especially in cases of terminal illness where pain control is crucial for improving quality of life. The specialist can review the current pain management plan, suggest alternative or adjunct therapies, adjust medication dosages, or explore different types of analgesics to optimize pain relief for the patient. Collaborating with a pain management specialist can help ensure the patient receives the most effective and personalized pain management approach tailored to their specific needs. Increasing the dose of analgesics, administering a different type of analgesic, or recommending non-pharmacological techniques may be appropriate interventions but should be guided by a specialist to ensure safe and effective pain management in a palliative care setting.
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A pregnant woman presents with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks gestation. On examination, the uterus is tender, and the fundus feels firm. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
- A. Ectopic pregnancy
- B. Threatened abortion
- C. Placenta previa
- D. Abruptio placentae
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most likely cause of the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleeding with a tender, firm uterus at 28 weeks gestation is abruptio placentae. Abruptio placentae, also known as placental abruption, is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. This condition can be life-threatening to both the mother and the fetus, as it can lead to severe bleeding and compromise the oxygen and nutrients supply to the fetus. The presentation typically includes severe abdominal pain, dark red or maroon vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, and a firm uterus due to the blood accumulation behind the placenta. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
A patient presents with recurrent episodes of venous thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), despite no apparent provoking factors. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause these findings?
- A. Antithrombin III deficiency
- B. Protein C deficiency
- C. Protein S deficiency
- D. Factor V Leiden mutation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Factor V Leiden mutation is the most common inherited predisposition to venous thrombosis. In this condition, there is a specific mutation in the factor V gene (also known as factor V Leiden) that makes factor V resistant to inactivation by activated protein C. This resistance leads to excessive clot formation, increasing the risk of recurrent venous thrombosis like DVT and PE. Patients with Factor V Leiden mutation may have a history of recurrent unprovoked venous thrombosis at a young age. In comparison, antithrombin III deficiency, protein C deficiency, and protein S deficiency are other inherited thrombophilias that may increase the risk of venous thrombosis, but Factor V Leiden mutation is the most likely cause in this case based on the presentation of recurrent episodes without apparent provoking factors.
A woman in active labor experiences a prolonged latent phase, characterized by irregular contractions and minimal cervical dilation. What maternal condition should the nurse assess for that may contribute to this abnormal labor pattern?
- A. Maternal dehydration
- B. Fetal malposition
- C. Maternal anxiety
- D. Fetal macrosomia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maternal dehydration can lead to a prolonged latent phase in labor due to inadequate hydration affecting the progress of labor. Dehydration can cause decreased blood volume, leading to poor uterine perfusion and inefficient uterine contractions. It also contributes to reduced amniotic fluid volume and can lead to maternal exhaustion. Therefore, assessment and correction of maternal hydration status are crucial in improving labor patterns and preventing complications during labor and delivery.
What is one of the MAJOR challenges that a beginning nurse may encounter in her service delivery in the hospital in terms of an individual client or patient?
- A. Dysfunctional facilities
- B. Poor health seeking behaviour.
- C. Social determinants of health
- D. Stock out of essential commodities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In Nadine's case, one major challenge that a beginning nurse may encounter in her service delivery is related to social determinants of health. Social determinants of health refer to the social and economic conditions that influence individual and group differences in health status. In this scenario, Nadine's bruises, bed-wetting, signs of anxiety, and potentially other health issues are likely influenced by factors such as her living environment, family dynamics, and social support systems. As a nurse, addressing social determinants of health requires a holistic approach that considers not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors affecting the patient's health and well-being. This can be a complex challenge for beginning nurses who may not have as much experience or training in navigating these social determinants of health to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
While preparing the operating room (OR) for a surgical procedure, the nurse notices a malfunctioning anesthesia machine. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Use an alternative anesthesia machine
- B. Document the malfunction in the equipment log
- C. Inform the anesthesia provider immediately
- D. Continue with the surgical procedure as scheduled
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.