This may help. If the consulate is requesting more information on any of the forms they gave you, you mentioned the DS5535, complete those as quickly as possible.
https://www.path2usa.com/blog/all-about-221g/
No real way for any of us to know this answer.
Submit any information requested as soon as possible.
She may be able to request an expedit based on her illness. She can also contact her Senator or U.S. House Representative.
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-a-chapter-5#:~:text=In the context of an expedite request%2C humanitarian,medical treatment in a limited amount of time.
No.
Who knows. It might be due to lack of cooperation from your current government, or just difficulty in completing it.
You wife could request an expedite (see above). There is not much you can do as far as I know.
Good Luck, and hopefully your AP will be shorter than average.