Nokea
A patient's chart indicates a history of meningitis. Which of the following would you NOT expect to see with this patient if this condition were acute?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Vomiting
- C. Fever
- D. Poor tolerance of light
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased appetite.' In cases of acute meningitis, loss of appetite would be expected rather than an increase. Meningitis is often caused by an infectious agent that colonizes or infects various sites in the body, leading to systemic symptoms. Common symptoms of acute meningitis include fever, vomiting, and poor tolerance of light due to meningeal irritation. The inflammatory response in the meninges can result in symptoms like photophobia. Increased appetite is not typically associated with acute meningitis. Therefore, choice A is the least likely symptom to be observed in a patient with acute meningitis. Choices B, C, and D are symptoms commonly seen in acute meningitis due to the inflammatory process affecting the central nervous system and meninges.
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When taking a patient’s history, she mentions being depressed and dealing with an anxiety disorder. Which of the following medications would the patient most likely be taking?
- A. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- B. Calcitonin
- C. Pergolide mesylate (Permax)
- D. Verapamil (Calan)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Amitriptyline (Elavil) as it is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Amitriptyline works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Calcitonin is a hormone used in the treatment of osteoporosis; Pergolide mesylate is a dopamine agonist used in Parkinson's disease; Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, not mental health disorders.
A child is seen in the emergency department for scarlet fever. Which of the following descriptions of scarlet fever is not correct?
- A. Scarlet fever is caused by infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria.
- B. "Strawberry tongue"? is a characteristic sign.
- C. Petechiae occur on the soft palate.
- D. The pharynx is red and swollen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Petechiae on the soft palate are not a typical finding in scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, often presenting with a strawberry tongue, red and swollen pharynx, and a sandpaper-like rash. The presence of petechiae on the soft palate is more commonly associated with conditions like rubella rather than scarlet fever. Therefore, this description is not correct in the context of scarlet fever.
After assessing Mr. B, what is the initial action of the nurse?
- A. Immediately place the client in a negative-pressure room
- B. Set the client up to receive a bronchoscopy
- C. Contact the physician for antifungal medications
- D. Administer oxygen and assist the client to sit in the semi-Fowler's position
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The first action the nurse should take after assessing Mr. B is to administer oxygen and assist him to sit in the semi-Fowler's position. Administering oxygen helps improve tissue oxygenation, while sitting up in a semi-Fowler's position aids in better breathing and secretion clearance. Placing the client in a negative-pressure room is not the immediate priority unless isolation is needed. Performing a bronchoscopy or contacting the physician for antifungal medications is not the initial step in managing a client with suspected pneumonia.
A patient has taken an overdose of aspirin. Which of the following should a nurse closely monitor during acute management of this patient?
- A. Onset of pulmonary edema
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory alkalosis
- D. Parkinson's disease type symptoms
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the onset of pulmonary edema. In cases of aspirin overdose, metabolic acidosis is a common consequence that can lead to the development of pulmonary edema. Early signs of aspirin poisoning include symptoms like tinnitus, hyperventilation, vomiting, dehydration, and fever. Late signs may manifest as drowsiness, bizarre behavior, unsteady walking, and coma. Aspirin poisoning can cause abnormal breathing that is typically rapid and deep. Pulmonary edema may occur due to increased capillary permeability in the lungs, leading to the leakage of proteins and fluid transudation in renal and pulmonary tissues. Changes in renal tubule permeability can also affect colloid osmotic pressure, potentially contributing to pulmonary edema. Monitoring pulmonary edema is crucial in managing aspirin overdose cases to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because metabolic alkalosis, respiratory alkalosis, and Parkinson's disease type symptoms are not typically associated with aspirin overdose and are not primary concerns in its acute management.
A 28-year-old male has been found wandering around in a confusing pattern. The male is sweaty and pale. Which of the following tests is most likely to be performed first?
- A. Blood sugar check
- B. CT scan
- C. Blood cultures
- D. Arterial blood gases
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a 28-year-old male presenting with confusion, sweating, and pallor, the most likely cause is hypoglycemia, especially with no mention of trauma or infection. Therefore, the initial test to be performed should be a blood sugar check to rule out low blood sugar levels. Checking blood sugar levels is crucial in such a scenario as hypoglycemia can lead to altered mental status. A CT scan (choice B) is not typically the initial test for altered mental status without any focal neurological signs or head trauma. Blood cultures (choice C) are more relevant in cases suspected of infection, which is not a primary concern in this scenario. Arterial blood gases (choice D) may be considered later if there are concerns about respiratory status or acid-base disturbances, but in this case, checking the blood sugar level is the most immediate and appropriate action.