The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because when a patient is experiencing significant shortness of breath, the nurse should initially focus on assessing the areas directly related to the presenting problem to address the immediate issue. This approach allows for prompt intervention and treatment of the patient's acute condition. Once the patient's respiratory distress is managed, the nurse can then proceed with a complete assessment to identify any underlying or additional health issues. This stepwise approach ensures that the patient's urgent needs are met first before conducting a comprehensive assessment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Performing a mini-database by only examining body areas directly related to the problem may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and could overlook other potential health issues. C: Dismissing significant shortness of breath as a normal finding and proceeding with an abdominal assessment is inappropriate and could delay necessary interventions for the respiratory distress. D: Examining the entire body to determine if the problem is linked to something else is inefficient and

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the inspection phase of a physical assessment involves visually examining the patient's body, which can reveal a surprising amount of information. This step is crucial in identifying visible abnormalities, such as skin discoloration, swelling, or asymmetry. It helps in assessing the patient's overall appearance, posture, and body movements. This detailed observation can provide valuable insights into the patient's health status and aid in making an accurate diagnosis. Choice A is incorrect because the inspection phase actually provides significant information. Choice C is incorrect as it downplays the importance of thorough observation. Choice D is incorrect because the discomfort level for the expert practitioner is not a defining factor in the inspection phase.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's behavior of not making eye contact and looking down can be a sign of active listening and respect in some cultures, including many First Nations cultures. This behavior may indicate that the patient is focusing on what the nurse is saying and showing attentiveness. Making eye contact may be considered disrespectful or challenging in some cultures, so the lack of eye contact does not necessarily mean the patient has something to hide, is ashamed, or is nervous. Choice A assumes the patient is nervous or embarrassed without evidence. Choice B is an assumption without any basis, and choice C does not consider cultural differences in communication styles.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because observing the patient and inferring health or dysfunction allows the nurse to assess mental health holistically. This method considers various factors such as behavior, emotions, communication, and overall functioning. It provides a comprehensive view of the patient's mental well-being. A: Examining the patient's electroencephalogram is more related to brain activity rather than mental health assessment. B: Observing the patient as he or she performs an IQ test is limited to cognitive abilities and does not capture the full spectrum of mental health. D: Examining the patient's response to a specific set of questions may not provide a complete picture of mental health as it focuses on specific aspects rather than overall assessment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Give him the Four Unrelated Words Test. This is the best way to assess new memory because it is a standardized test specifically designed to evaluate a patient's ability to form new memories. The test involves presenting the patient with four unrelated words and then asking them to recall those words after a delay. This test is reliable, valid, and widely used in clinical settings to assess new memory formation. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Administering the FACT test is not the best way to assess new memory as it is not specifically designed for this purpose. B: Asking the patient to describe his first job does not directly evaluate new memory formation and may not provide a standardized assessment. D: Asking the patient to describe the last TV show he watched does not focus on new memory and is not a standardized way to assess memory function.