The nurse begins a shift assessment by examining a surgical dressing that is saturated with serosanguineous drainage on a patient who had open abdominal surgery yesterday (or 1 day ago). Which type of assessment approach is the nurse using?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: General to specific assessment. In this scenario, the nurse is starting with a broad assessment of the surgical dressing, which is a general observation, before moving on to more specific details. This approach allows the nurse to gather comprehensive information systematically. A: Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns involves assessing a patient's health across several categories, not specifically related to wound care. B: Activity-exercise pattern assessment focuses on the patient's physical activity and exercise routines, not the wound dressing. D: Problem-oriented assessment involves identifying and addressing specific health issues, rather than starting with a general observation like the appearance of a surgical dressing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Disruption of tissue integrity. Acute pain is typically caused by tissue damage or injury, such as a cut or a burn. The nurse would use this assessment data as an etiology for acute pain because it directly relates to the source of the pain. Discomfort while changing position (A) is a symptom of pain but does not provide the underlying cause. Reports pain as a 7 on a 0 to 10 scale (B) is a pain intensity rating and does not explain the cause of the pain. Dull headache (D) is a specific type of pain but is not relevant to the given scenario of tissue disruption.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dependent. In this scenario, the nurse is administering pain medication based on a healthcare provider's prescription, which demonstrates a dependent nursing intervention. The nurse is reliant on the provider's order to carry out this action. Collaborative interventions involve working with other healthcare professionals, independent interventions are actions that nurses can initiate without supervision, and interdependent interventions involve mutual goal-setting and decision-making among healthcare team members.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. First, reviewing lab results for potassium level is important in assessing potential electrolyte imbalances that may contribute to the patient's symptoms. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition. Assessing the patient for other symptoms or problems is crucial to gather additional information. Finally, notifying the healthcare provider ensures timely communication and collaboration for appropriate care. Choice A is incorrect as following a clinical protocol for a stroke is premature without a comprehensive assessment. Choice C is incorrect as administering medication without a thorough assessment and provider notification can be dangerous. Choice D is incorrect as notifying the healthcare provider should precede administering any medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because evaluative measures in nursing refer to the assessment data used to determine if patients have achieved their expected outcomes and goals. This is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of the care provided. Choice A is incorrect because it defines evaluative measures as multiple-page documents, which is not accurate. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on the progression of a nurse's skill level rather than patient outcomes. Choice D is incorrect as it defines evaluative measures as objective views of completing nursing interventions, which is too narrow of a definition.