A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?

Questions 37

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advanced health assessment test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. The nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation levels. This assessment is crucial in pneumonia to ensure adequate oxygenation. Low oxygen levels can lead to respiratory distress. Pain levels (B) are important but not a priority over oxygenation. Bowel sounds (C) are not directly related to pneumonia. Level of consciousness (D) is also important but not as critical as ensuring proper oxygen levels for a patient with pneumonia. Oxygen saturation levels should be prioritized to prevent complications and ensure the patient's respiratory status is stable.

Question 2 of 9

A patient with heart failure is experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Worsening heart failure. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling are common symptoms of heart failure. Monitoring for signs of worsening heart failure, such as increased dyspnea, weight gain, and decreased exercise tolerance, is crucial. Pulmonary embolism (A) presents with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, not typically associated with chronic heart failure. Renal failure (B) may present with decreased urine output and electrolyte imbalances. Liver failure (C) may present with jaundice and changes in mental status. However, given the symptoms presented by the patient, monitoring for worsening heart failure is the most appropriate choice.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse is frequently bothered when a patient does not take the medications as prescribed until the patient speaks with her family. The nurse is so irritated by this behaviour that he often finds it hard to provide appropriate care to this individual. What should the nurse do first in trying to overcome his difficulty?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Recognize Cultural Sensitivity - Understanding that family inclusion is a cultural practice is crucial as it helps the nurse appreciate the patient's perspective. Step 2: Empathy - Acknowledging the significance of family involvement for the patient shows empathy and respect for their beliefs and values. Step 3: Effective Communication - By recognizing and respecting the cultural practice, the nurse can build a trusting relationship with the patient and her family, leading to better adherence to medication and improved care outcomes. In summary, Option B is correct as it emphasizes cultural competence and patient-centered care. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the core issue of cultural understanding and may hinder effective communication and relationship-building with the patient and her family.

Question 4 of 9

A 30-year-old female patient is describing feelings of hopelessness and depression. She has attempted self-mutilation and has a history of prior suicide attempts. She describes difficulty sleeping at night and has lost 4.5 kg (10 lb) in the past month. Which of the following is the nurse's best response in this situation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Are you feeling so hopeless that you feel like hurting yourself now?" This response directly addresses the patient's suicidal ideation and assesses the immediate risk of harm. It shows the nurse's concern for the patient's safety and allows for further evaluation and intervention if necessary. Option A is incorrect because asking about owning a lethal weapon does not directly address the patient's current mental state and immediate risk of harm. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on external factors rather than the patient's internal feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Option D is incorrect as it minimizes the seriousness of the patient's symptoms and may lead to overlooking the urgency of the situation.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates proper understanding?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because daily inspection helps identify issues early, preventing complications. B is incorrect as tight shoes can cause blisters. C is wrong as proper toenail trimming is essential. D is incorrect because prevention is key in diabetic foot care.

Question 6 of 9

During the health assessment, the nurse notes that a patient is anxious and worried about upcoming surgery. What is the nurse's first priority in this situation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's emotional state and provide reassurance. The first priority is to address the patient's anxiety and worry, as this can impact their overall well-being and ability to cope with the upcoming surgery. By assessing the emotional state, the nurse can understand the patient's concerns and provide appropriate support and reassurance. Discussing the risks and benefits (choice B) may be important but not the immediate priority. Encouraging relaxation (choice C) may not address the underlying anxiety. Calling the surgeon (choice D) is not necessary at this point as the nurse should first focus on the patient's emotional needs.

Question 7 of 9

Which statement is correct regarding the development of one's culture?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because culture is indeed rooted in specific social elements such as language, customs, traditions, beliefs, and values. These elements are passed down through generations within a particular society or group. Choice A is incorrect because culture is not genetically determined, but rather learned and acquired through socialization. Choice C is incorrect as culture plays a crucial role in shaping identities, behaviors, and interactions within a society. Choice D is incorrect as culture is not biologically determined, but rather socially constructed.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about insulin administration. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates proper understanding?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: I will rotate injection sites to avoid tissue damage. This statement indicates proper understanding because rotating injection sites helps prevent tissue damage and ensures consistent absorption. Injecting into the same spot every time can lead to lipohypertrophy. Injecting insulin only when blood glucose is elevated is incorrect as insulin is needed regularly. Injecting into the arm for faster absorption is also incorrect, as it can lead to unpredictable absorption rates. Rotation of sites is crucial for optimal insulin absorption and to prevent complications.

Question 9 of 9

The nurse is conducting an interview with a woman who has recently learned that she is pregnant and has come to the clinic to begin prenatal care. The woman states that she and her husband are excited about the pregnancy but have a few questions. She looks nervously at her hands during the interview and sighs audibly. Which of the following statements does the nurse know is most accurate, considering the concept of communication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the woman's nonverbal cues (looking nervously at her hands, sighing audibly) indicate potential anxiety or stress. The nurse should acknowledge these cues and explore her feelings further to provide appropriate support. Option A is incorrect as it does not address the woman's nonverbal cues. Option C is incorrect as it assumes the woman is not genuinely excited about the pregnancy. Option D is incorrect as it overlooks the woman's nonverbal cues and does not address her potential emotional needs.

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