Which of the following is NOT a warning sign that compensatory mechanisms in a patient in shock are failing?
- A. Increasing heart rate above normal for the patient's age.
- B. Absent peripheral pulses
- C. Decreasing level of consciousness
- D. Increasing blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a patient in shock, increasing blood pressure is not a sign that compensatory mechanisms are failing. As shock progresses and compensatory mechanisms fail, systolic blood pressure will decrease, leading to hypotension, which is a late and ominous sign in these patients. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are warning signs of failing compensatory mechanisms in shock: an increasing heart rate above normal, absent peripheral pulses, and decreasing level of consciousness, respectively. An increasing blood pressure is not indicative of compensatory failure in shock; instead, it may be a sign of compensatory mechanisms still trying to maintain perfusion pressure.
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An emergency department nurse is performing an assessment on a child with a suspected diagnosis of intussusception. Which assessment question for the parents will elicit the most specific data related to this disorder?
- A. Does the child have any food allergies?
- B. What do the bowel movements look like?
- C. Has the child eaten any food in the last 24 hours?
- D. Can you describe the type of pain that the child is experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is asking the parents to describe the type of pain the child is experiencing because a report of severe colicky abdominal pain in a healthy, thriving child between 3 and 17 months of age is the classic presentation of intussusception. Typical behavior includes screaming and drawing the knees up to the chest. This specific question helps in identifying the key symptom of intussusception. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of a health history but are not specific to the diagnosis of intussusception. Food allergies, bowel movements, and recent food intake are relevant for a comprehensive assessment but do not directly relate to the specific symptoms of intussusception.
Which of the following diseases is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium?
- A. German Measles
- B. RSV
- C. Meningitis
- D. Whooping Cough
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bordetella pertussis is the bacterium responsible for causing Whooping Cough, also known as pertussis. Meningitis can be caused by various bacteria, but not specifically by Bordetella pertussis. German Measles, also known as Rubella, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) are viral infections and are not caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Therefore, the correct answer is Whooping Cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis.
A patient diagnosed with alopecia would be described as having:
- A. body lice
- B. lack of ear lobes
- C. Indigestion
- D. hair loss
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'hair loss.' Alopecia is a medical term that specifically refers to the condition of hair loss, usually in patches or all over the body. Choice A, 'body lice,' refers to a parasitic infestation and is not related to alopecia. Choice B, 'lack of ear lobes,' is completely unrelated to the term alopecia, which is solely about hair loss. Choice C, 'Indigestion,' has no connection to alopecia as it pertains to digestive issues, not hair loss. Therefore, the correct description for a patient diagnosed with alopecia is 'hair loss.'
The clinic nurse reviews the record of an infant and notes that the primary healthcare provider has documented a diagnosis of suspected Hirschsprung's disease. The nurse reviews the assessment findings documented in the record, knowing that which sign most likely led the mother to seek healthcare for the infant?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Projectile vomiting
- C. Regurgitation of feedings
- D. Foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hirschsprung's disease, also known as congenital aganglionosis or aganglionic megacolon, is a congenital anomaly characterized by an absence of ganglion cells in the rectum and other areas of the affected intestine. A key clinical manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease is chronic constipation that starts in the first month of life, leading to pellet-like or ribbon-like stools that have a foul smell. Another sign is the delayed passage or absence of meconium stool in the neonatal period. In addition to foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools, bowel obstruction (especially in the neonatal period), abdominal pain and distention, and failure to thrive are also common clinical manifestations of this disorder. Options A, B, and C are not typically associated with Hirschsprung's disease, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.
A child diagnosed with Hepatitis A is under the care of a healthcare provider. Which of the following precautions would be most important to take to prevent the transmission of this infectious disease?
- A. Encourage the Hepatitis A vaccine for family members and siblings
- B. Use needleless systems if possible; otherwise, use careful needle precautionary measures
- C. Teach the child and enforce strict and frequent hand washing
- D. Teach the child and family about the dangers of contaminated food and water
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most crucial precaution to prevent the transmission of Hepatitis A is to emphasize strict and frequent hand washing. Hepatitis A is a virus that spreads through the oral-fecal route and can survive on human hands. Hand washing is the most effective measure to reduce the risk of transmission. Encouraging the Hepatitis A vaccine for family members and siblings (Choice A) is beneficial for prevention but not as directly impactful as hand washing. While needle precautions (Choice B) are important in healthcare settings, they are not directly relevant to preventing the spread of Hepatitis A. Teaching about the dangers of contaminated food and water (Choice D) is important for general hygiene but may not be as effective as emphasizing hand hygiene in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A.