Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Open the airway. This is the first action because in respiratory distress, ensuring a clear airway is crucial for adequate oxygenation. Opening the airway helps facilitate breathing and prevents further complications. Administering oxygen (choice B) can be done after ensuring the airway is clear. Administering medication (choice C) and pain relief (choice D) are not the initial priority in managing respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Never did too good in school." This statement should be explored further during an interview because it can provide insights into the patient's educational background, potential learning difficulties, or past experiences that may impact their health literacy or understanding of medical information. Understanding the patient's educational history can help the nurse tailor communication and education strategies effectively. A: "Sleeps like a baby" is not as critical for further exploration as it pertains to the patient's sleep quality. B: "Has no health problems" is important information but does not require immediate further exploration. D: "Is currently not taking any medication" is important for medication reconciliation but does not warrant immediate further exploration in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because critical thinking involves anticipating potential issues to provide proactive care. By predicting potential problems, nurses can prevent complications and tailor interventions accordingly. This step is essential in the nursing process to ensure comprehensive and effective care. Continuing to reassess (A) is important but not the primary focus of a nursing diagnosis. Checking the appropriateness of goals (C) is crucial but comes after identifying the problem and predicting potential issues. Modifying the diagnosis if necessary (D) is a part of critical thinking but not the immediate next step after identifying the actual problem.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diagnostic reasoning. When formulating diagnostic statements, nurses use diagnostic reasoning to analyze data, identify patterns, and make accurate clinical judgments. This process involves critical thinking and synthesizing information to reach a conclusion. Physical assessment skills (C) are important in data collection but not the primary focus in formulating diagnostic statements. Rationale (A) refers to providing reasons or justifications and is not directly related to the diagnostic process. American Nurses Association recommendations (B) may guide nursing practice but are not specifically used in formulating diagnostic statements.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's ECG. This is the priority because it helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias which are common in stroke patients. Assessing neurologic status (A) is important but monitoring the ECG takes precedence. Starting an IV line and administering thrombolytics (B) should be done as per protocol but is not the immediate priority. Providing emotional support (D) is important, but ensuring the client's cardiac status is stable is crucial in the acute phase of stroke.