Which method of data collection will the nurse use to establish a patient’s database?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Performing a physical examination. This method allows the nurse to gather objective data directly from the patient's body, such as vital signs, appearance, and physical findings. It is essential for establishing a patient's baseline health status and identifying any abnormalities or changes. Reviewing literature (A) is important but not a method of data collection. Checking orders (B) is part of the assessment process but does not involve direct data collection. Ordering medications (D) is a clinical intervention and not a data collection method.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Performing a physical examination. This method allows the nurse to directly gather patient data through observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. It helps in assessing the patient's overall health status, identifying any abnormalities, and establishing a baseline for further care. Reviewing literature (A) helps in evidence-based practice but does not directly collect patient data. Checking orders for tests (B) and ordering medications (D) involve actions based on data collected rather than collecting the data itself.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diagnostic reasoning. This involves analyzing assessment data, utilizing critical thinking skills to identify patient problems, and formulating nursing diagnoses. Diagnostic reasoning is the process of synthesizing information to make clinical judgments and determine appropriate interventions. A: Assigning clinical cues - Incorrect. This refers to identifying observable signs or symptoms, not the process of developing a nursing diagnosis. B: Defining characteristics - Incorrect. This term is often used to describe the symptoms or manifestations associated with a nursing diagnosis, not the process of deriving the diagnosis. D: Diagnostic labeling - Incorrect. This is the final step in the nursing diagnosis process where the nurse assigns a label to the identified patient problem, not the process of critical thinking and data analysis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because performing a physical examination is the method nurses use to establish a patient's database. This involves directly assessing the patient's physical condition, gathering data on their health status, and identifying any abnormalities or concerns. Reviewing literature (A) is important but not a direct method of collecting patient data. Checking orders for tests (B) is part of data collection but not the initial step. Ordering medications (D) is a treatment action, not data collection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diagnostic reasoning. The nurse is utilizing assessment data to analyze and interpret the information to develop a nursing diagnosis. This involves critical thinking skills to make conclusions and create a plan of care. A: Assigning clinical cues - This choice is incorrect as it refers to identifying objective and subjective data during assessment, not the process of analyzing and synthesizing data to form a diagnosis. B: Defining characteristics - This choice is incorrect as it typically refers to the specific manifestations or symptoms associated with a particular nursing diagnosis, not the process of diagnosing itself. D: Diagnostic labeling - This choice is incorrect as it refers to the final step in the nursing diagnosis process where the nurse assigns a label to the identified problem, not the overall process of diagnostic reasoning.