A patient presents with fever, chills, headache, and myalgia after returning from a trip to sub-Saharan Africa. Laboratory tests reveal intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites on blood smear examination. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Plasmodium falciparum
- B. Trypanosoma cruzi
- C. Borrelia burgdorferi
- D. Leishmania donovani
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The clinical presentation of fever, chills, headache, and myalgia following a trip to sub-Saharan Africa is highly suggestive of malaria, which is caused by the Plasmodium species. Specifically, the presence of intraerythrocytic ring forms and trophozoites on blood smear examination points towards Plasmodium falciparum as the most likely causative agent.
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Nurse Addison provides instructions about measures to prevent postpartum mastitis who is breast feeding her newborn. Which of the following would indicate that the mother needs further instruction? "I Should _______."
- A. wash my hands wel1 before breastfeeding
- B. breastfeed every 2-3 hours
- C. change the breast pads frequently
- D. wash my nipples with s0ap and water prior to feeding 3 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nursing mothers should not wash their nipples with soap and water prior to feeding. Using soap can dry out the skin and potentially lead to irritation or cracking of the nipple, which can increase the risk of mastitis. It is recommended to simply clean the nipples with water, if necessary.
A patient presents with fatigue, weakness, hyperpigmentation of the skin, and salt craving. Laboratory tests reveal low serum sodium levels and elevated serum potassium levels. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
- A. Hyperthyroidism
- B. Hypothyroidism
- C. Diabetes mellitus
- D. Addison's disease
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by adrenal insufficiency, leading to a deficiency in cortisol and aldosterone production. The symptoms of Addison's disease include fatigue, weakness, hyperpigmentation of the skin (due to elevated levels of ACTH stimulating melanocytes), and salt craving (due to aldosterone deficiency). Low serum sodium levels and elevated serum potassium levels are also common laboratory findings in Addison's disease, as aldosterone plays a key role in maintaining electrolyte balance. Patients with Addison's disease are at risk of developing an adrenal crisis, which can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy.
Nurse Adalynn explains to the mothers that early indication for hypovolemia caused by postpartum hemorrhage is _____.
- A. increasing pulse and decreasing blood pressure
- B. altered mental status and level of consciousness
- C. dizziness and increasing respiratory rate
- D. Cool, clammy skin, and pale mucous membranes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nurse Adalynn explains to the mothers that early indication for hypovolemia caused by postpartum hemorrhage is an increasing pulse and decreasing blood pressure. Hypovolemia is a condition where there is a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body, often characterized by fluid loss such as through bleeding. As blood volume decreases, the heart rate increases in an attempt to maintain adequate perfusion to organs and tissues. This results in an elevated pulse rate. Additionally, as the blood volume decreases, the blood pressure may drop due to the reduced amount of blood being pumped around the body. Therefore, monitoring for an increasing pulse and decreasing blood pressure is crucial in detecting hypovolemia early, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent further complications.
Which assessment by the nurse would cause a concern for Meperidine Overdosed?
- A. Respiration rate of 12 bpm.
- B. Dryness of the skin.
- C. Hypercapnia
- D. Pinpoint pupils.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meperidine (Demerol) is an opioid analgesic. Overdose of Meperidine can lead to respiratory depression, characterized by slow and shallow breathing. As a result of respiratory depression, hypercapnia, which is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood, can occur. This is a serious concern and requires immediate medical intervention to support respiratory function. Therefore, hypercapnia would be the assessment by the nurse that causes a concern for Meperidine overdose.
A patient with advanced dementia is no longer able to communicate verbally and displays signs of distress. What should the palliative nurse consider when assessing and managing the patient's distress?
- A. Focus solely on physical comfort measures to alleviate distress.
- B. Assume the patient's distress is solely related to physical discomfort.
- C. Explore non-verbal cues and behaviors to identify the underlying causes of distress.
- D. Administer sedative medications to manage the patient's agitation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When assessing and managing distress in a patient with advanced dementia who is no longer able to communicate verbally, the palliative nurse should consider exploring non-verbal cues and behaviors to identify the underlying causes of distress. Since the patient cannot communicate through words, it is essential to pay close attention to their non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and changes in behavior. Distress in dementia patients can be caused by a variety of factors including physical discomfort, unmet needs, environmental stressors, emotional distress, or even medication side effects. By carefully observing and interpreting non-verbal cues, the nurse can gain insight into what might be causing the patient's distress and tailor interventions accordingly. Simply focusing on physical comfort measures may not address the root cause of the distress, and administering sedative medications without understanding the underlying cause is not considered best practice in palliative care for dementia patients.