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 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 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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Performing a physical examination. This method allows the nurse to collect objective data directly from the patient, which is crucial in establishing a comprehensive patient database. By assessing the patient's physical condition, the nurse can gather vital information such as vital signs, overall health status, and potential areas of concern. Reviewing literature (A) and checking orders for tests (B) may provide additional insights but are not direct data collection methods. Ordering medications (D) is a treatment intervention, not a data collection method.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diagnostic reasoning. The nurse is using assessment data to analyze, interpret, and make a judgement about the patient's condition. This process involves critical thinking skills to develop a nursing diagnosis. Choice A (Assigning clinical cues) is incorrect because it refers to identifying specific signs and symptoms. Choice B (Defining characteristics) is incorrect as it pertains to the features of a diagnosed condition. Choice D (Diagnostic labeling) is incorrect because it focuses on naming a specific nursing diagnosis. Diagnostic reasoning encompasses the entire process of analyzing data, making connections, and formulating a nursing diagnosis based on critical thinking.