A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient says, Although I'm still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities. The nurse should evaluate the treatment plan as:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: partially successful. This is because the patient is showing improvement in symptoms and functioning, indicating some progress in treatment effectiveness. It is not considered unsuccessful (A) as there is improvement noted. It is not minimally successful (B) as the patient is experiencing noticeable improvement in pain and activity levels. It is also not totally achieved (D) as the patient still has some pain despite improvement in functioning. Overall, option C best reflects the patient's progress at this stage of treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) The student instructs the patient to sit up straight, resulting in the patient's puzzled expression. This action requires intervention because patients with right hemisphere strokes often have spatial awareness deficits, making it challenging for them to understand and follow spatial instructions correctly. Asking the patient to sit up straight may be confusing and frustrating for them due to difficulties in processing spatial information. Option B is incorrect because moving the patient's tray to the right side aligns with the principle of compensating for the patient's right-sided neglect, a common deficit in right hemisphere strokes. Option C is also acceptable as assisting the patient with passive range-of-motion exercises is a beneficial nursing intervention for stroke patients. Option D, combing the left side of the patient's hair, is not necessarily wrong but may not be the most optimal action since focusing on the neglected side (right side in this case) is crucial for rehabilitation. Educationally, understanding the specific deficits associated with right hemisphere strokes and how they manifest in patient care is vital for nursing students. This rationale highlights the importance of tailored care approaches based on the patient's neurological condition to promote effective communication and rehabilitation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient in status epilepticus, the foremost observation to make is the patency of the airway, making option B the correct answer. Ensuring a clear airway is vital as it allows for proper oxygenation and ventilation, which are crucial during a seizure to prevent hypoxia and subsequent brain damage. Hydration (option A) is important in overall patient care but is not the primary concern during an active seizure. Temperature elevation (option C) may occur during a seizure but is not the first priority when managing status epilepticus. Response to environmental stimuli (option D) is also important but is secondary to ensuring proper airway management during an acute seizure event. Educationally, understanding the priority actions in managing status epilepticus is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working in emergency or critical care settings. This question highlights the immediate action required to ensure patient safety and prevent complications during a seizure emergency. Healthcare professionals must be adept at prioritizing care interventions to provide optimal outcomes for patients experiencing neurological emergencies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of adjusting Susan's medication, the most important aspect of nursing assessment to document is muscular strength following medication administration (Option A). This is crucial because certain medications can have side effects that impact muscle function, such as weakness or tremors. Monitoring muscular strength helps in assessing the medication's efficacy and potential adverse effects on Susan's physical well-being. Elimination patterns (Option B) are important in general patient assessment but may not be the priority when adjusting medication unless the medication specifically affects bowel or bladder function. Emotional response to diagnosis (Option C) is also important for holistic care but may not be directly impacted by medication adjustment. State of consciousness (Option D) is critical in emergencies or when monitoring for changes in neurological status, but it may not be the primary focus during routine medication adjustments. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering medication effects on specific bodily systems during nursing assessments. It emphasizes the need for nurses to prioritize assessments based on the patient's current health status and the context of care, ensuring comprehensive and individualized patient-centered care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with a one-sided spinal injury, the loss of temperature sensation on the affected side can lead to difficulties in detecting extreme temperatures, potentially resulting in burns or hypothermia. The correct answer, option A) contralaterally below the injury, is the most appropriate because temperature sensation is lost on the opposite side of the injury. This means that the patient may not feel if the water is too hot or too cold on the side opposite to the injury site, making it crucial to monitor the temperature carefully. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not consider the specific loss of temperature sensation contralaterally to the injury site. Choosing option B) ipsilaterally below the injury suggests that the temperature sensation is lost on the same side as the injury, which is inaccurate. Option C) bilaterally below the injury implies that the loss of temperature sensation occurs on both sides below the injury, which is not consistent with the neuroanatomical pathways. Option D) contralaterally above the injury is incorrect as the loss of sensation typically occurs below the level of the spinal injury. Educationally, understanding the neurological implications of spinal cord injuries is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. By grasping the sensory deficits associated with specific injury sites, nurses can implement appropriate interventions to prevent complications and ensure the well-being of patients with spinal cord injuries. Monitoring bath water temperature is just one practical application of this knowledge that can significantly impact patient outcomes.