When a nurse is assessing a patient's pain level, which of the following questions would be most appropriate?
- A. "How would you rate your pain on a scale from 0 to 10?"
- B. "When did your pain start?"
- C. "What causes your pain?"
- D. "Do you need any medication for the pain?"
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Asking the patient to rate pain on a scale of 0 to 10 is a standard pain assessment tool, allowing for quantification and tracking of pain intensity.
Step 2: This question helps in understanding the severity of pain objectively.
Step 3: It provides a baseline for further pain management interventions.
Step 4: Other choices are incorrect as they do not directly address assessing pain intensity or severity.
Summary: Option A is the most appropriate as it focuses on quantifying pain, which is crucial for effective pain management. Choices B, C, and D are not as relevant for assessing pain intensity.
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A nurse is teaching a patient about managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following statements by the patient indicates the need for further education?
- A. I should avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
- B. I will take my medications as prescribed.
- C. I can stop using my inhaler once I feel better.
- D. I will practice breathing exercises to improve my lung function.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping the inhaler once feeling better is incorrect. Inhalers are used to manage COPD symptoms long-term, not just when feeling unwell. Step 1: Explain that inhalers are essential for managing COPD and should be used consistently. Step 2: Emphasize that stopping inhaler use prematurely can lead to exacerbation of symptoms and worsening of the condition. Step 3: Reinforce the importance of following the prescribed treatment plan for optimal COPD management. Other choices are incorrect: A: True, avoiding second-hand smoke is crucial for COPD management. B: True, taking medications as prescribed is essential. D: True, breathing exercises can help improve lung function.
What is the correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen?
- A. Constipation
- B. Air-filled areas
- C. The presence of a tumor
- D. The presence of dense organs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct interpretation of a drumlike sound heard during percussion of the abdomen is that it indicates air-filled areas within the abdomen. This sound, known as tympany, occurs when air is present in the gastrointestinal tract or hollow organs. Percussion produces a resonant, drum-like sound over these air-filled areas. This is a normal finding during a physical examination.
Incorrect Answers:
A: Constipation does not typically produce a drumlike sound during percussion. Constipation may cause a dull sound due to fecal matter retention.
C: The presence of a tumor would not cause a drumlike sound during percussion. Tumors are typically solid masses and would produce a dull sound during percussion.
D: Dense organs such as the liver or spleen would produce a dull sound, not a drumlike sound, during percussion due to their solid nature.
A patient has been in the critical care unit for 10 days. He has just been moved to the medical"“surgical unit, and the admitting nurse is planning to perform a mental health examination. During the cognitive function tests, the nurse would expect that he:
- A. Might display some disruption in thought content.
- B. Might state, "I am so relieved to be out of critical care.'
- C. Might be oriented to place and person but not be certain of the date.
- D. Might show evidence of some clouding of consciousness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. After being in critical care for 10 days, it is expected that the patient may be disoriented to time but still be oriented to place and person. This is a common occurrence due to the stressful and disorienting environment of the critical care unit. The patient's cognition may be temporarily affected, leading to difficulty in remembering the date accurately. The patient's ability to recognize their surroundings and identify themselves and others should still be intact. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because disruption in thought content, expressing relief, and clouding of consciousness are not typical cognitive function issues expected in this scenario.
During her prenatal checkup, a patient begins to cry as the nurse asks her about previous pregnancies. The patient says that she is remembering her last pregnancy, which ended in miscarriage. The nurse's best response to her crying would be:
- A. "I'm so sorry for making you cry!"
- B. "I can see that you are sad remembering this. It is all right to cry."
- C. "Why don't I step out for a few minutes until you're feeling better?"
- D. "I can see that you feel sad about this; why don't we talk about something else?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and validation towards the patient's emotions. By acknowledging the patient's sadness and giving her permission to cry, the nurse creates a safe and supportive environment. This response helps the patient feel understood and accepted, facilitating emotional expression and potentially leading to a deeper therapeutic relationship.
Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the nurse's discomfort rather than the patient's feelings. Choice C is incorrect as it may come across as dismissive of the patient's emotions. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests avoiding the topic rather than addressing the patient's feelings directly.
A patient with a history of diabetes presents with a wound on the foot that is not healing. The nurse would be concerned about the possibility of:
- A. Peripheral vascular disease.
- B. Deep vein thrombosis.
- C. Cellulitis.
- D. Skin cancer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral vascular disease. In a patient with diabetes, poor blood circulation due to damaged blood vessels can lead to delayed wound healing. Peripheral vascular disease is a common complication of diabetes that can result in inadequate blood flow to the extremities, impairing wound healing. Deep vein thrombosis (B) is a blood clot issue, not directly related to poor wound healing. Cellulitis (C) is a bacterial skin infection that can occur in anyone, not just diabetics. Skin cancer (D) is a condition unrelated to the wound healing process in this context.