A woman has just entered the emergency department after being battered by her husband. The nurse needs to get some information from her to begin treatment. What is the best choice for an opening phase of the interview with this patient?

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CNS Vital Signs Assessment Questions

Question 1 of 5

A woman has just entered the emergency department after being battered by her husband. The nurse needs to get some information from her to begin treatment. What is the best choice for an opening phase of the interview with this patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it directly acknowledges the situation while also establishing the purpose of the conversation. By addressing Mrs. H. by name and explaining the need to ask about what happened, the nurse shows empathy, professionalism, and sets the tone for a confidential and supportive interaction. Choice A is incorrect because it lacks specificity and fails to address the immediate concerns of the patient. Choice B is incorrect as it diverts from the primary issue by commenting on the weather. Choice C is incorrect as it jumps straight into asking how the patient is without acknowledging the reason for the visit, which may not be appropriate given the circumstances.

Question 2 of 5

During the examination, which action by the nurse helps reduce patient anxiety?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because offering brief teaching during the exam helps reduce patient anxiety by providing information and reassurance. This action fosters a sense of understanding and involvement, empowering the patient. Explaining findings in simple terms can alleviate confusion and fear. Maintaining a hurried demeanor (B) can increase anxiety due to perceived lack of care. Avoiding discussion (D) may lead to feelings of neglect. Using medical terminology (A) can further confuse and distress the patient, worsening anxiety.

Question 3 of 5

A 60-year-old male patient has been treated for pneumonia for the past 6 weeks. He is seen today in the clinic for an "unexplained" weight loss of 10 pounds over the last 6 weeks. The nurse knows that:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Unexplained weight loss often accompanies short-term illnesses. In this case, the patient has been treated for pneumonia for the past 6 weeks, which is a short-term illness. Weight loss in this context could be due to factors like increased metabolic rate or decreased appetite related to the illness. Choice A is incorrect because the weight loss is unexplained, not necessarily due to unhealthy eating habits. Choice B is incorrect as hypertension is not typically associated with significant weight loss. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication in the scenario provided that the weight loss is due to a mental health dysfunction.

Question 4 of 5

A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension. This is because the blood pressure drop of 50/30 mm Hg between lying and standing positions meets the criteria for orthostatic hypotension (a drop of 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing). Choice A is incorrect as these readings indicate orthostatic hypotension, not just a normal response to position changes. Choice C is incorrect because the lying position reading is elevated for a 70-year-old. Choice D is incorrect as the significant drop in blood pressure is not considered within normal limits for the patient's age.

Question 5 of 5

During the aging process, the hair can look gray or white and begin to feel thin and fine. The nurse knows that this occurs because of a decrease in the number of functioning:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Melanocytes. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. As individuals age, the number of functioning melanocytes decreases, leading to a loss of pigment in the hair, resulting in gray or white hair. Metrocytes (A), Fungacytes (B), and Phagocytes (C) are not involved in hair pigmentation, making them incorrect choices in this context.

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