Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diagnostic reasoning. The nurse is utilizing assessment data to analyze and interpret the information to develop a nursing diagnosis. This involves critical thinking skills to make conclusions and create a plan of care. A: Assigning clinical cues - This choice is incorrect as it refers to identifying objective and subjective data during assessment, not the process of analyzing and synthesizing data to form a diagnosis. B: Defining characteristics - This choice is incorrect as it typically refers to the specific manifestations or symptoms associated with a particular nursing diagnosis, not the process of diagnosing itself. D: Diagnostic labeling - This choice is incorrect as it refers to the final step in the nursing diagnosis process where the nurse assigns a label to the identified problem, not the overall process of diagnostic reasoning.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ineffective airway clearance related to obstruction by a tumor or secretions. This takes highest priority as compromised airway can lead to respiratory distress and potential respiratory failure. Maintaining clear airways is essential for oxygenation and ventilation. Choices A, C, and D are important but do not pose immediate life-threatening risks compared to compromised airway. Disturbed body image, anxiety, and imbalanced nutrition can be addressed once the airway clearance is stabilized.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Performing a physical examination. This method allows the nurse to directly gather data from the patient's body, such as vital signs, appearance, and overall health status. It provides essential information to establish a patient's database, including baseline values and potential health issues. Reviewing current literature (A) helps in decision-making but does not directly establish a patient's database. Checking orders for tests (B) and ordering medications (D) are part of the treatment process and do not focus on gathering initial patient data.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The sympathetic nervous system saves fluid in response to the stress of surgery. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which includes the conservation of fluids during stressful situations. Dark amber and concentrated urine indicates dehydration, which can be a result of the sympathetic nervous system conserving fluids. B: The sympathetic nervous system does not "diereses" (increase urination) in response to stress. C: The parasympathetic nervous system is not involved in fluid conservation during stress. D: The parasympathetic nervous system does not "diereses" fluid in response to stress.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Performing a physical examination. This method allows the nurse to gather objective data directly from the patient's body, such as vital signs, skin condition, and overall health status. It provides a comprehensive overview of the patient's current health status and helps in establishing a baseline for further assessments and interventions. Reviewing literature (A) is important for evidence-based practice but does not directly establish a patient's database. Checking orders for tests (B) is essential but does not provide a holistic view of the patient. Ordering medications (D) is a treatment intervention and not a data collection method.