The nurse is assessing a patient's mental status and notes that the patient is unable to remember recent events. Which aspect of memory is impaired?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Recent memory. Recent memory refers to the ability to recall events or information that occurred recently, usually within the past few minutes to hours. When a patient is unable to remember recent events, it indicates an impairment in their recent memory function. Option A) Long-term memory refers to the ability to recall events or information from the distant past, usually beyond a few hours or days. This type of memory is not being tested in the scenario provided. Option B) Immediate memory, also known as short-term memory, involves the ability to hold a small amount of information in mind for a short period, typically lasting seconds to minutes. Immediate memory is not specifically being tested in the scenario as the focus is on recent events. Option D) Remote memory refers to the ability to recall events or information from the distant past, similar to long-term memory. This type of memory is not relevant to the patient's inability to remember recent events. Educationally, understanding the distinctions between different types of memory is crucial for healthcare professionals when assessing a patient's cognitive function. Recognizing which type of memory is impaired can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate interventions or referrals for further evaluation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knee joint, leading to a decreased range of motion. This condition is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Rheumatoid arthritis (option B) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small joints of the hands and feet, rather than the knee joint. Gout (option C) is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, typically affecting the big toe but not commonly causing decreased range of motion in the knee. Bursitis (option D) is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints and is more likely to cause localized pain and swelling rather than limited range of motion. Educationally, understanding the different causes of decreased range of motion in joints is crucial for nurses to accurately assess and provide appropriate care for patients. By knowing the specific characteristics of each condition, nurses can better differentiate between them and collaborate effectively with healthcare providers to develop comprehensive treatment plans. This knowledge enhances patient outcomes and ensures high-quality care delivery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Late afternoon, is correct because core body temperature peaks around 4 pm to 6 pm due to circadian rhythms governed by the hypothalamus. It rises throughout the day from a low of ~97°F (4-6 am) to a high of ~98.6°F-100°F, reflecting increased metabolic activity. Early morning, is the nadir, not peak. Noon, is midway, not the highest. Evening, sees a decline post-peak. Studies show this diurnal pattern in healthy adults, with late afternoon aligning with maximal alertness and physical performance. Nurses consider this when assessing fevere.g., a 99°F reading at 5 pm might be normal variation. Thus, C is accurate based on physiological circadian evidence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A cuff too large underestimates blood pressure, leading to an incorrect reading , as it doesnt compress the artery properly. It wont cause significant injury or dangerous pressure , though a too-small cuff might. Korotkoff sounds remain audible but may be misread. Choice A is correct, emphasizing accuracy in measurement technique, a key teaching point for nursing students.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A ceiling fan moves air over the patient, causing heat loss via convection , where warm air around the body is replaced by cooler moving air. Radiation involves heat emission without contact, not fan-driven. Conduction requires direct contact (e.g., cold pack), not air movement. Evaporation involves moisture loss, not primarily fan-related here. Choice C is correct because convection matches the mechanism of air circulation enhancing heat dissipation, a principle nurses apply in thermoregulation strategies to cool patients effectively in clinical settings.