A nurse obtained a client's pulse and found the rate to be above normal. The nurse documents this finding as:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Pulse rate assessment involves measuring the heart rate, typically at the radial artery, and noting whether it exceeds the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute in adults. When the pulse rate is above normal, it indicates an accelerated heart rate, which is medically termed tachycardia (D), defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute at rest. Tachypnea (A) refers to rapid breathing, not heart rate, and is unrelated to pulse findings. Hyperpyrexia (B) denotes an extremely high fever (typically above 41.5°C), which could cause a rapid pulse but is a temperature-related term, not a direct pulse descriptor. Arrhythmia (C) indicates an irregular heart rhythm, which may or may not involve an elevated rate; however, the question specifies only an above-normal rate without mentioning irregularity. Thus, tachycardia is the precise term for documenting a pulse rate above normal, making D the correct answer. This distinction is critical in nursing to ensure accurate communication of clinical findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Loss of sphincter control causing uncontrolled urination and bowel movement is incontinence (B), per medical terminology common in dying. Enuresis (A) is urinary-specific, diarrhea (C) and constipation (D) are bowel states, not control loss. B encompasses both, matching end-of-life loss, making it correct.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Including the family in care (C) is true enhances support, dignity, per hospice care principles. Banning talk (A) stifles, dynamics shift (B), and no role (D) dismisses involvement. C aligns with family-centered care, making it correct.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nonmaleficence is avoiding harm (B), per ethics 'do no harm' (e.g., safe meds). Doing good (A) is beneficence, fairness (C) justice, decision respect (D) autonomy. B truly defines nonmaleficence's protective role, making it correct.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Defamation is a false statement harming reputation (B), per law e.g., libel/slander. Exposure (A) is privacy, touch (C) battery, standards (D) malpractice. B best defines defamation's impact, making it correct.