What is the best method for a nurse to assess a client's pain level?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use a numeric pain scale. This method allows for quantitative assessment of pain intensity, aiding in accurate pain management. It is widely used in healthcare settings, providing a standardized way to communicate and monitor pain levels. Visual analog scale (B) is subjective and less precise than numeric scales. Facial expression scale (C) may be influenced by cultural factors and is subjective. Observing for signs of depression (D) is important but not specific to assessing pain intensity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Body systems. This type of assessment promotes critical thinking by organizing data systematically based on different body systems, allowing for clustering of similar data and identification of patterns. Comprehensive assessments (B) may include body systems but lack the focused approach of promoting critical thinking. Head to toe assessments (C) are systematic but may not encourage clustering of data. Emergency assessments (D) prioritize immediate interventions rather than promoting critical thinking or clustering of data.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Administering IV antibiotics is important for treating infections, but in this case, the focus is on addressing the pain associated with the deep wound infection. Step 2: Administering pain relief helps improve the client's comfort and quality of life while the infection is being treated. Step 3: Changing the dressing is essential for wound care but does not directly address the client's pain from the infection. Step 4: Performing a CT scan may be necessary to assess the extent of the infection, but it does not directly provide immediate relief for the client's pain. Summary: Administering pain relief is the most appropriate intervention as it directly addresses the client's symptoms and improves their comfort level during the treatment of the deep wound infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor for transfusion reactions. When a client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, it may indicate a transfusion reaction, such as a febrile non-hemolytic reaction. The nurse's first priority is to monitor the client closely for other signs of a reaction, such as fever, rash, or shortness of breath. Stopping the transfusion may be necessary, but monitoring for reactions is crucial to identify and manage any adverse effects promptly. Vital signs should be monitored as part of assessing for reactions. Performing a lumbar puncture is not indicated in this situation and is unrelated to managing a transfusion reaction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct assessment is B because providing consistent information indicates reliability. Drug abuse history (A) does not necessarily mean the patient is unreliable. Smiling (C) is not a reliable indicator. Refusal to answer specific questions (D) does not negate overall reliability.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. Dehydration and hypotension indicate fluid loss, which can lead to organ damage and shock. Administering IV fluids helps restore blood volume and improve blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure (B) is important but addressing the underlying issue of fluid loss is crucial. Administering antihypertensive medications (C) would further lower blood pressure, worsening hypotension. Administering diuretics (D) would exacerbate fluid loss, worsening dehydration and hypotension.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply an airtight dressing. This is the first priority because it helps prevent air from entering the chest cavity, which can cause a tension pneumothorax. A tension pneumothorax can rapidly lead to respiratory distress and cardiac arrest. Applying an airtight dressing helps stabilize the condition until further medical intervention can be provided. Incorrect choices: A: Performing needle decompression is not the first priority as it is indicated for a tension pneumothorax once it has developed, not as a preventive measure. B: Applying a sterile dressing is important but not the first priority when dealing with a gunshot wound to the chest as sealing the wound to prevent air entry is more critical. D: Monitoring the client's ECG is not the first priority in this situation as addressing the potential tension pneumothorax takes precedence over monitoring the client's heart rhythm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because broccoli, oranges, and dark greens are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that boost the immune system and help prevent diseases. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Oranges are high in vitamin C, crucial for immune function. Dark greens like spinach and kale are packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Choice B is incorrect because no single food can cure many diseases. Choice C is incorrect because relying solely on vitamin pills may not provide all the necessary nutrients and benefits of whole foods. Choice D is incorrect as there is no scientific evidence supporting the concept of balancing body molecules through food.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place the client in a supine position. This is the first step when administering Heparin to prevent bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Placing the client in a supine position helps reduce the risk of injury and promotes optimal absorption. Administering antipyretics (Choice A) is not the first step in administering Heparin. Administering insulin (Choice C) is unrelated to Heparin administration. Monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is important but typically done after the initial step of positioning the client correctly.