health assessment in nursing test bank Related

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A visiting nurse is making an initial home visit to a patient who has a number of chronic medical problems. Which type of database is most appropriate to collect in this setting?

  • A. A follow-up database to evaluate changes at appropriate intervals
  • B. An episodic database because of the continuing, complex medical problems of this patient
  • C. A complete health database because of the nurse's primary responsibility for monitoring the patient's health
  • D. An emergency database because of the need to rapidly collect information and make accurate diagnoses
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A complete health database because of the nurse's primary responsibility for monitoring the patient's health. In this initial home visit, the nurse needs to gather comprehensive information about the patient's medical history, current health status, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors to establish a baseline for ongoing care. This complete health database will help the nurse make informed decisions and provide personalized care.

Choice A (follow-up database) is incorrect as it is used to evaluate changes over time, not for the initial assessment. Choice B (episodic database) is incorrect because the patient's chronic medical problems require a more comprehensive approach. Choice D (emergency database) is incorrect as it is used for urgent situations, not for routine assessments.