What is the most superficial layer of skin called?

Choice A reason: White patches on the tongue and mouth with dysphagia indicate oral thrush, a Candida albicans infection, common in hospitalized patients due to immunosuppression or antibiotics. Antifungal treatment is needed to prevent esophageal spread. Accurate diagnosis ensures timely therapy, critical for relieving symptoms and avoiding complications in vulnerable patients.

Choice B reason: Bad breath (halitosis) may accompany oral issues but doesn’t cause white patches or dysphagia, which indicate thrush. Assuming bad breath misdiagnoses the condition, delaying antifungal treatment and risking progression of Candida infection, potentially leading to systemic complications in long-term hospitalized patients with compromised immunity.

Choice C reason: Oral ulcers cause painful sores, not white patches or widespread dysphagia, unlike thrush’s creamy lesions. Misidentifying as ulcers risks inappropriate treatment, delaying antifungals needed for Candida. This error could worsen swallowing difficulties, compromising nutrition and recovery in hospitalized patients with suspected oral infections.

Choice D reason: Assuming nothing ignores white patches and dysphagia, clear signs of oral thrush in hospitalized patients. Neglecting these risks untreated Candida infection, potentially spreading to the esophagus or systemically, especially in immunocompromised patients. Prompt recognition and antifungal therapy are critical to prevent complications and ensure patient comfort.

Choice A reason: A heart rate below normal (e.g., <60 bpm) indicates bradycardia, not necessarily arrhythmia, which is characterized by irregular rhythm. Irregular heart rate defines arrhythmia. Assuming low rate risks misdiagnosis, potentially missing treatments like antiarrhythmics, critical for stabilizing rhythm and preventing complications in arrhythmic patients.

Choice B reason: Irregular heart rate is the hallmark of arrhythmia, reflecting disrupted electrical conduction (e.g., atrial fibrillation). This sign, detected via pulse or ECG, guides diagnosis and treatment like anticoagulants or cardioversion. Accurate identification ensures timely intervention, critical for preventing stroke or heart failure in patients with cardiac rhythm disturbances.

Choice C reason: Low respiratory rate is unrelated to arrhythmia, which affects heart rhythm, not breathing. Irregular heart rate is the key sign. Assuming respiratory rate misdirects focus, risking neglect of cardiac monitoring or treatment, potentially delaying management of arrhythmia and increasing risks of thromboembolism or hemodynamic instability.

Choice D reason: Decreased blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension) is unrelated to arrhythmia, which involves irregular heart rhythm. Misidentifying this risks overlooking cardiac signs like irregular pulse, delaying ECG or antiarrhythmic therapy, critical for managing arrhythmia and preventing complications like syncope or heart failure in affected patients.