During an assessment, a patient tells the nurse that her fingers often change color when she goes out in cold weather. She describes these episodes as her fingers first turning white, then blue, then red with a burning, throbbing pain. The nurse suspects that she is experiencing:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Raynaud disease. This condition is characterized by a triphasic color change in the fingers (white, blue, red) due to vasospasms in response to cold or stress. The white color indicates decreased blood flow, the blue color is due to lack of oxygen, and the red color signifies reactive hyperemia. The burning, throbbing pain is also a common symptom. Lymphedema (A) is swelling due to lymphatic system dysfunction, not color changes. Deep-vein thrombosis (C) involves blood clots in the deep veins, not color changes. Chronic arterial insufficiency (D) would typically present with a pale or dusky color due to reduced blood flow, rather than the described color changes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interpreting clinical findings and determining a diagnosis. This step follows the assessment phase of the nursing process. First, you collect data during the assessment phase. Next, you interpret the data to make a diagnosis. This involves analyzing the clinical findings and determining the patient's health status. Choice B is incorrect because clustering cues and evaluating assessment data are part of the assessment phase, not the next step. Choice C is incorrect as collaborating with the patient and reviewing information is important but typically occurs earlier in the process. Choice D is incorrect as evaluating the information collected is part of the assessment phase, not the next step.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nontherapeutic. This statement is nontherapeutic because it implies blame or judgment on the patient for waiting to see the doctor, which can make the patient feel guilty or defensive. It does not promote open communication or trust between the healthcare provider and patient. Therapeutic responses focus on understanding the patient's feelings and experiences without judgment. Choices A, C, and D are left blank as they are not relevant to the question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). The median nerve innervates the flexor carpi radialis (A), palmaris longus (C), and flexor pollicis longus (D), all muscles involved in wrist and finger flexion. The FCU is innervated by the ulnar nerve, not the median nerve, making it the exception in this case. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Trigger points. Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by localized areas of muscle tightness and tenderness called trigger points. These points can cause referred pain and muscle dysfunction. Choice A is incorrect because the tenderness in myofascial pain syndrome is typically localized, not widespread. Choice B is incorrect as tender points are different from trigger points and are not specific to myofascial pain syndrome. Choice D is incorrect as myofascial pain syndrome is associated with changes in muscle tension due to the presence of trigger points.