NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers Related

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The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?

  • A. Have the patient lie down to obtain an accurate cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal assessment.
  • B. Obtain a thorough history and physical assessment from the patient's family member.
  • C. Immediately perform a complete history and physical assessment to obtain baseline information.
  • D. Examine the body areas relevant to the problem and complete the rest of the assessment after the problem has resolved.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When assessing a patient experiencing significant shortness of breath, it is crucial to prioritize the evaluation of areas directly related to the problem. Having the patient lie down may exacerbate the breathing difficulty. Therefore, the nurse should focus on examining the body areas pertinent to the issue, such as the respiratory and cardiac systems. Completing the rest of the assessment can be deferred until after addressing the immediate problem. Obtaining a complete history or involving family members should come after addressing the acute issue to ensure the patient's safety and comfort.