Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Adult Health and Nutritional Assessment Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Adult Health and Nutritional Assessment related questions and content

You are the nurse performing a health assessment of an adult male patient. The man states, The doctor has already asked me all these questions. Why are you asking them all over again? What is your best response?

  • A. This history helps us determine what your needs may be for nursing care.
  • B. You are right; this may seem redundant and Im sure that its frustrating for you.
  • C. I want to make sure your doctor has covered everything thats important for your treatment.
  • D. I am a member of your health care team and we want to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Regardless of the assessment format used, the focus of nurses during data collection is different from that of physicians and other health team members. Explaining to the patient the purpose of the nursing assessment creates a better understanding of what the nurse does. It also gives the patient an opportunity to add his or her own input into the patients care plan. The nurse should address the patients concerns directly and avoid casting doubt on the thoroughness of the physician.