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A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient?
- A. Count the patient's respirations.
- B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.
- C. Call for a chest x-ray and wait for the results before beginning an assessment.
- D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a situation where a patient is in significant respiratory distress, bilaterally percussing the thorax to note any differences in percussion tones is a crucial nursing intervention. Percussion provides instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which can give important clues about the patient's physical status. This hands-on assessment technique is readily available and can be performed promptly. Counting the patient's respirations, while important, may not provide as much detailed information as percussion. Ordering a chest x-ray and waiting for the results can cause a delay in assessing and addressing the patient's immediate needs. Inspecting the thorax for new masses and bleeding, although relevant, may not offer as much real-time information about the patient's condition compared to percussion.
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Many Asians believe in the yin/yang theory, which is rooted in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Tao. Which statement most accurately reflects this philosophy's view of "health"??
- A. A person is able to work and produce.
- B. A person is happy, stable, and feels good.
- C. All aspects of the person are in perfect balance.
- D. A person is able to care for others and function socially.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the yin/yang theory rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, health is believed to exist when all aspects of a person are in perfect balance. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Choice C accurately reflects this philosophy's view of health. Choices A, B, and D do not capture the essence of the yin/yang theory. Being able to work and produce, being happy and stable, or caring for others and functioning socially, while important, do not encompass the holistic balance emphasized in the yin/yang theory.
The nurse is preparing to assess a patient’s abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse proceed?
- A. Avoid palpating reportedly “tender†areas as this may cause pain.
- B. Palpate tender areas quickly to minimize patient discomfort.
- C. Initiate the assessment with deep palpation while encouraging the patient to relax and take deep breaths.
- D. Begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct approach is to begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch. This allows the nurse to first assess surface features before proceeding to deeper palpation. Starting with light palpation also helps the patient become more comfortable with being touched, creating a smoother examination experience. Palpating tender areas quickly, as suggested in choice B, can increase patient discomfort. Deep palpation, as in choice C, is typically performed after light palpation to avoid discomfort and ensure proper assessment. Avoiding palpation of tender areas first, as in choice A, helps prevent causing unnecessary pain and should be done towards the end of the assessment.
The nurse is preparing to examine a 4-year-old child. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for this age group?
- A. Explain the procedures briefly to alleviate the child's anxiety.
- B. Give the child feedback and reassurance during the examination.
- C. Ask the child to undress as needed for the examination.
- D. Perform an examination of the head last.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a 4-year-old child, short and simple explanations should be provided to avoid overwhelming the child. It is important to give feedback and reassurance during the examination to create a comforting environment for the child. Asking the child to undress as needed is appropriate for a thorough examination, as children at this age are usually willing to do so. Performing an examination of the head last allows the child to become more comfortable during the assessment. Therefore, the most appropriate action for a 4-year-old child is to provide feedback and reassurance during the examination, ensuring a positive experience for the child.
The nurse is discussing the term subculture with a student nurse. Which statement by the nurse would best describe subculture?
- A. "Fitting as many people as possible into the majority culture."?
- B. "Identifying small groups of people who do not want to be identified with the larger culture."?
- C. "Singling out groups of people who suffer differential and unequal treatment as a result of cultural variations."?
- D. "Recognizing groups of people within a culture with shared characteristics that are not common to all members of the culture."?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A subculture refers to a group of people within a larger culture who share distinct beliefs, values, or attitudes that are not universal among all members of the larger culture. Subcultures can emerge based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. The correct answer describes the concept of a subculture accurately. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the essence of a subculture. Fitting people into the majority culture, identifying small groups who distance themselves from the larger culture, or singling out individuals facing differential treatment do not define subculture. Subcultures represent specific groups with shared characteristics that differentiate them from the broader cultural norms.
The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
- B. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
- C. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes
- D. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2 F (37.8 C)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath. Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration to maintain adequate oxygenation. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but they do not present with an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention like the patient experiencing sudden shortness of breath.