What is an example of a pertinent negative finding during a physical examination?

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Question 1 of 5

What is an example of a pertinent negative finding during a physical examination?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding pertinent negative findings during a physical examination is crucial as it helps in ruling out potential differential diagnoses. In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Chest pain that does not radiate to the arm. This is a pertinent negative finding because chest pain that radiates to the arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction. By not radiating to the arm, it helps differentiate the pain from a cardiac origin. Option B) Elevated blood pressure in a patient with hypertension is not a pertinent negative finding as elevated blood pressure is expected in patients with hypertension. It does not provide valuable information in ruling out other conditions. Option C) Pupils that are equal and react to light and accommodation are normal findings during a physical examination. While important for assessing neurological function, this does not relate directly to the presence or absence of a specific condition. Option D) Clear and full lung sounds in a patient with chronic bronchitis is not a pertinent negative finding. Lung sounds can be clear in chronic bronchitis, and abnormal lung sounds would be more indicative of a complication or exacerbation. Educationally, understanding pertinent negative findings aids in clinical decision-making and enhances critical thinking skills. It allows healthcare professionals to interpret examination findings accurately, leading to better patient care and outcomes.

Question 2 of 5

The following data are organized according to Gordon’s functional health patterns.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, option A, the 78-year-old woman, is the correct choice based on Gordon’s functional health patterns. Gordon's model encompasses various aspects of an individual's health, including cognitive and sensory-perceptual patterns, which are crucial in older adults. As individuals age, they are more likely to experience changes in vision and hearing, which can impact their overall health and well-being. This 78-year-old woman's age puts her at higher risk for these changes, making it important to assess her sensory functions. Option B, having grown children who live out of town, and option C, caring for an invalid husband with help, do not directly address sensory-perceptual patterns as required by Gordon's model. While social support and caregiving responsibilities are important considerations in a holistic health assessment, they are not the focus of this particular question. Option D, having vision corrected with glasses and normal hearing, may seem relevant to sensory-perceptual patterns, but the age of the individual in option A makes her more likely to experience age-related changes in vision and hearing, warranting closer assessment in these areas. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding and applying Gordon's functional health patterns in assessing patients comprehensively. By recognizing the relevance of each pattern to different patient populations, nurses can provide more individualized and effective care, especially for older adults who may have specific health needs related to aging.

Question 3 of 5

A patient with a breast biopsy positive for cancer tells the nurse that she has been using information from the Internet to try to make a decision about her treatment choices. In counseling the patient, the nurse knows that (select all that apply)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answers are 'the patient should be taught how to identify reliable and accurate information available online' and 'the patient should be encouraged to use sites established by universities, the government, or reputable health organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, to access reliable information.' These options promote the use of credible sources while discouraging reliance on potentially unreliable information.

Question 4 of 5

Seven tasks required for daily living with chronic illness have been identified. From Table 5-4, select at least one of these tasks that would specifically apply to the following common chronic conditions in older adults.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Diabetes mellitus. Daily tasks for living with chronic illness include managing medications, monitoring symptoms, following dietary restrictions, attending appointments, engaging in physical activity, managing emotions, and seeking support. For diabetes mellitus, these tasks are crucial for disease management. Monitoring blood sugar levels, adhering to medication schedules, following a specific diet, and staying physically active are essential components of diabetes care. Visual impairment (B) may not directly impact these daily tasks but would require adaptations in how they are carried out. Heart disease (C) may involve similar tasks, but the specific management strategies differ from those required for diabetes. Hearing impairment (D) can impact communication but is not directly related to the daily tasks involved in managing diabetes. In an educational context, understanding the specific tasks required for daily living with chronic illnesses is essential for healthcare professionals to provide effective care and support to older adults. By recognizing the unique needs of each chronic condition, nurses and other healthcare providers can tailor interventions to help patients manage their illnesses effectively and improve their quality of life.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse identifies the presence of age-associated memory impairment in the older adult who states

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct choice as it indicates a significant memory lapse that interferes with the individual's daily functioning. For an older adult, forgetting a recent event like going to the grocery store and repeating the same activity later in the day is a concerning sign of age-associated memory impairment. This type of memory loss goes beyond simple forgetfulness and can indicate a more serious cognitive issue. Option A, where the individual can't remember the name of their granddaughter, may be a common memory lapse and not necessarily indicative of age-associated memory impairment. Option B, using lists but not being able to utilize them effectively, may suggest mild memory issues but does not demonstrate the same level of cognitive decline as described in option C. Option D, forgetting movie stars' names but remembering them later, is more likely a normal memory lapse related to aging and does not raise the same level of concern as forgetting recent events like in option C. Educationally, it is important for nurses to recognize the difference between normal age-related memory changes and signs of cognitive decline in older adults. Understanding these distinctions can help healthcare providers intervene early and provide appropriate support and resources for individuals experiencing memory impairment. Regular cognitive assessments and screenings can aid in the early detection of cognitive decline and help in developing tailored care plans for older adults.

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