During a general survey of a patient, which finding is considered normal?
- A. Body mass index (BMI) of 20.
- B. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
- C. The patient appears older than their stated age.
- D. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 20 is considered normal as the range for a normal BMI is between 19-24. When standing, a patient's base should be wide for stability and proper weight distribution. An older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of chronic illness or chronic alcoholism. In a general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should approximately equal the patient's height. An arm span greater than the height may suggest Marfan syndrome. Therefore, the correct choice is a normal BMI of 20, which falls within the healthy range. Choices B, C, and D all describe abnormal findings that may indicate underlying health conditions or syndromes.
You may also like to solve these questions
During a work shift, how can a nurse best demonstrate the dynamic nature of the nursing process?
- A. Collaborating with the client to establish healthcare goals
- B. Reviewing the client's medical record history
- C. Explaining the purpose of administered medications to the client
- D. Rapidly resetting priorities for client care based on changes in the client's condition
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nursing process is dynamic as it involves adapting to the changing health status of the client. Rapidly resetting priorities for client care based on changes in the client's condition exemplifies this dynamic nature by responding promptly to evolving circumstances. Collaborating with the client to establish healthcare goals (Option A), reviewing the client's medical record history (Option B), and explaining the purpose of administered medications to the client (Option C) are all essential nursing actions but do not directly showcase the dynamic nature of the nursing process.
During which part of the client interview would it be best for the nurse to ask, 'What's the weather forecast for today?'
- A. Introduction
- B. Body
- C. Closing
- D. Orientation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Asking about the weather initiates the social or introductory phase of the interview, allowing the nurse to establish rapport with the client at the beginning. This question can help assess the client's mental status and set a friendly tone. In the body phase, the client responds to the nurse's inquiries, while during the closing phase, either the nurse or the client concludes the interview. Therefore, the best time to ask about the weather forecast is during the introduction phase to facilitate a positive start to the interaction.
A resident brings several electronic devices to a nursing home. One of the devices has a two-pronged plug. What rationale should the nurse provide when explaining why an electrical device must have a three-pronged plug?
- A. Controls stray electrical currents.
- B. Promotes efficient use of electricity.
- C. Shuts off the appliance if there is an electrical surge.
- D. Divides the electricity among the appliances in the room.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A three-pronged plug functions as a ground to dissipate stray electrical currents. This helps prevent electrical shocks and ensures the safety of the user. Choice B is incorrect because the number of prongs on a plug does not impact the efficient use of electricity. Choice C is incorrect because a three-pronged plug does not shut off the appliance during an electrical surge; that role is typically fulfilled by surge protectors. Choice D is incorrect as a three-pronged plug does not divide electricity among appliances in a room; it primarily serves as a safety measure to handle excess electrical currents.
While assisting a client from bed to chair, the nurse observes that the client looks pale and is beginning to perspire heavily. The nurse would then do which of the following activities as a reassessment?
- A. Help client into the chair more quickly
- B. Document client's vital signs taken just prior to moving the client
- C. Help client back to bed immediately
- D. Observe client's skin color and take another set of vital signs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has observed concerning signs in the client during the transfer process. The appropriate action for reassessment would be to observe the client's skin color and take another set of vital signs. This will provide essential data to evaluate the client's condition more accurately. Options A, B, and C are interventions that do not address the need for reassessment. Moving the client more quickly, documenting previous vital signs, or returning the client to bed do not directly address the need to reassess the client's current condition.
When printing out an EKG, a nurse notices that the QRS complexes are extremely small. What should be the next step?
- A. Alert the physician immediately as this is a sign of impending cardiac arrest.
- B. Check to see that all leads are attached and rerun the EKG.
- C. Increase the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection.
- D. Decrease the run speed to 50.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection will double the sensitivity, allowing for better observation of the small QRS complexes. This step is crucial in obtaining a clearer EKG reading. Choice A is incorrect because small QRS complexes do not necessarily indicate impending cardiac arrest; it's more likely a technical issue. Choice B is not the first step to take when small QRS complexes are observed; it's important to adjust the settings first. Choice D is incorrect because decreasing the run speed to 50 is not the appropriate action for this situation; adjusting the sensitivity control is more relevant to improve the visualization of the complexes.