A 67-year-old patient states that he recently began to have pain in his left calf when climbing the 10 stairs to his apartment. This pain is relieved by sitting for approximately 2 minutes; then he is able to resume his activities. The nurse interprets that this patient is most likely experiencing:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Claudication. This patient is likely experiencing intermittent claudication, which is pain or discomfort in the muscles of the leg, typically the calf, that occurs during physical activity and is relieved by rest. The key clues in the question are the pain in the left calf specifically with activity (climbing stairs), relief with rest, and the patient's age of 67 which is a risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD) leading to claudication. Sore muscles (B) and muscle cramps (C) do not typically present with this pattern of pain and relief. Venous insufficiency (D) usually manifests with swelling, skin changes, and may worsen with prolonged standing, not specifically with activity like in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: You diagnose "white coat hypertension." White coat hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure readings in a clinical setting due to anxiety or stress. Mr. Kelly's lower readings at home suggest this phenomenon. 1. White coat hypertension is a common occurrence, affecting about 20% of people with high office BP readings. 2. Mr. Kelly's consistent lower readings at home indicate that his true BP is likely lower than what is measured in the office. 3. Checking BP at home twice a day at the same time increases reliability and accuracy. 4. Assuming nervousness or questioning the accuracy of his measurements or yours does not address the discrepancy between office and home readings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interpreting clinical findings and determining a diagnosis. This step follows the assessment phase of the nursing process. First, you collect data during the assessment phase. Next, you interpret the data to make a diagnosis. This involves analyzing the clinical findings and determining the patient's health status. Choice B is incorrect because clustering cues and evaluating assessment data are part of the assessment phase, not the next step. Choice C is incorrect as collaborating with the patient and reviewing information is important but typically occurs earlier in the process. Choice D is incorrect as evaluating the information collected is part of the assessment phase, not the next step.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nontherapeutic. This statement is nontherapeutic because it implies blame or judgment on the patient for waiting to see the doctor, which can make the patient feel guilty or defensive. It does not promote open communication or trust between the healthcare provider and patient. Therapeutic responses focus on understanding the patient's feelings and experiences without judgment. Choices A, C, and D are left blank as they are not relevant to the question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). The median nerve innervates the flexor carpi radialis (A), palmaris longus (C), and flexor pollicis longus (D), all muscles involved in wrist and finger flexion. The FCU is innervated by the ulnar nerve, not the median nerve, making it the exception in this case. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.