A 62-yr-old patient who has no history of hypertension or other health problems suddenly develops a blood pressure (BP) of 198/110 mm Hg. After reconfirming the BP, it is appropriate for the nurse to tell the patient that:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): 1. The sudden increase in blood pressure to 198/110 mm Hg indicates a hypertensive crisis. 2. Given the absence of a history of hypertension, further evaluation is needed to determine the cause. 3. Diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring are essential to prevent complications and manage the condition effectively. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Waiting a few weeks for a BP recheck is not appropriate as the high BP requires immediate attention. B: While dietary changes can help manage hypertension, addressing the underlying cause is crucial in this acute scenario. D: Hospitalization may be necessary if complications arise, but this choice jumps to conclusions without proper assessment and management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety-induced hyperventilation. The pH of 7.48 indicates alkalosis, likely due to hyperventilation (respiratory alkalosis). The PaCO2 of 28 mm Hg is below the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), supporting hyperventilation. HCO3 of 22 mEq/L is within the normal range, compensating for the respiratory alkalosis. PaO2 of 98 mm Hg is also within the normal range. Therefore, the ABG values are consistent with a respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation due to anxiety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Diarrhea and vomiting for 36 hours would likely result in metabolic acidosis due to loss of bicarbonate, which is not supported by the ABG values. C: COPD typically presents with respiratory acidosis due to retention of CO2, which is not the case here. D

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: focus on acute care needs. Hospitals today primarily cater to providing immediate and intensive medical care for patients with severe or urgent health issues. This is evident in their specialized departments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and surgical suites. Hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies and specialized medical professionals to address acute conditions promptly. Choice A (focus on chronic illnesses) is incorrect as hospitals mainly deal with acute conditions. Choice C (primary care centers) is incorrect as primary care centers provide routine and preventive care, whereas hospitals focus on more complex and urgent medical needs. Choice D (voluntary agencies) is incorrect as hospitals are healthcare institutions that may operate as public, private, or non-profit entities, rather than voluntary agencies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: decreased length of hospital stay. Increasing healthcare costs lead to hospitals aiming to reduce costs by decreasing the length of hospital stays. Shorter stays reduce overall expenses for the hospital. This is a direct result of the effect of increasing healthcare costs on hospital admissions. The other choices are incorrect because decreased number of surgeries (B) and fewer surgeries in ambulatory centers (D) are related to surgical procedures, not hospital admissions. Increased hospital admissions (C) would not typically be a result of increasing healthcare costs, as hospitals aim to minimize costs by reducing length of stays rather than increasing admissions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nursing process is patient-centered, systematic, and outcomes-oriented. This means it focuses on the individual's needs, follows a structured approach with specific steps (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation), and aims to achieve positive outcomes. Option A is incorrect because it includes medical terminology which is not a defining characteristic of the nursing process. Option B is incorrect as it mentions nurse-centered and single focus, which do not capture the holistic and patient-centered nature of the nursing process. Option D is incorrect as it describes a single point in time and intuitive approach, which are not reflective of the systematic and ongoing nature of the nursing process.