You are working in a busy outpatient clinic and performing assessment on a new patient. The patient reports pain in the left ankle and big toe. You see what looks like a large tophi on the left toe. The patient's BMI is 38, and the patient reports drinking beer several nights a week. What is your patient's MOST LIKELY diagnosis?

Gouty arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Lupus

Osteoarthritis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Gouty arthritis, or gout, is characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, especially in the big toe (podagra). The presence of tophi (deposits of uric acid crystals under the skin) on the left toe is a classic sign of chronic gout. The patient's high BMI and frequent beer consumption also increase the risk for elevated uric acid levels, contributing to gout.
B.   Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that typically causes symmetric joint pain and stiffness, often involving the small joints of the hands and feet. It is less likely to present with tophi and is usually not linked to a history of beer consumption or a specific joint (like the big toe) in isolation.
C.   Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause joint pain, but it usually involves multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern and is associated with a range of other systemic symptoms. The presence of tophi and the specific pain in the big toe point more toward gout.
D.   Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects weight-bearing joints and can cause pain, especially with movement. However, it does not typically cause the acute attacks or the presence of tophi that are characteristic of gout.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Individuals with AB+ blood type can receive blood from any donor type (A, B, AB, or O) because they have no antibodies against A or B antigens. The safest practice is to provide the most compatible blood type, but AB+ recipients are considered universal recipients.
B. To minimize the risk of bacterial growth and transfusion reactions, packed red blood cells (PRBCs) should be transfused within 2 hours of starting the infusion. It’s important to monitor the patient closely during this time.
C. The first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion are critical for observing any immediate adverse reactions. The nurse should stay with the patient during this time to monitor vital signs and assess for any signs of a transfusion reaction.
D. A crucial safety step is to verify the blood product against the patient’s blood band with another registered nurse (RN). This helps prevent errors related to mismatched blood transfusions, which can be life-threatening.
E. Blood transfusion tubing should be primed with normal saline to ensure that the blood product flows properly and to maintain patency. Normal saline is used because it is compatible with blood products and does not cause hemolysis.

A. Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC's) B. Respiratory Rate of 14 / min C. Circumoral cyanosis D. Retraction of sternal muscles E. SpO2 95%

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

A. Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC's) (A) are related to cardiac activity and not directly indicative of respiratory function.
B. A respiratory rate of 14 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults (12-20 breaths per minute). Therefore, this finding does not indicate a decline in respiratory status.
C. Circumoral cyanosis, which refers to a bluish discoloration around the mouth, indicates hypoxia and is a sign of deteriorating respiratory status. It suggests that the body is not getting enough oxygen, which is critical to monitor in an asthma attack.
D. Retractions, especially of the sternal muscles, are a sign of increased work of breathing and can indicate severe respiratory distress. This finding suggests that the patient is struggling to breathe effectively, indicating a decline in respiratory status.
E. An SpO2 of 95% is generally considered acceptable, especially in patients with asthma, as normal oxygen saturation levels typically range from 95% to 100%. While it is at the lower end of normal, it does not indicate an immediate decline in respiratory status.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

You are planning on transfusing a unit of blood. Which of the following are appropriate measures to take? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

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