Which of the following statements about mental health assessment is true?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental status is indeed inferred through assessment of an individual's behaviors. Mental health assessment involves observing and evaluating a person's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall mental functioning to determine their mental status. This includes assessing speech, mood, cognition, and perception. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because: A: Mental health assessment does not solely focus on diagnosing specific psychiatric disorders; it is a broader evaluation of an individual's mental well-being. B: Mental disorders can result from a variety of factors beyond everyday life stressors, such as genetic predisposition or traumatic experiences. D: Mental health assessment is more complex than assessing physical characteristics and involves subjective interpretation of behaviors rather than direct observation like physical assessments.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, monitoring vital signs and fluid status, because it is crucial for assessing the patient's immediate post-operative condition and detecting any signs of complications like hemorrhage or shock. This step ensures early intervention if any issues arise, promoting patient safety and recovery. Administering pain medication (A) is important but not the top priority. Encouraging early ambulation (B) and providing wound care (D) are also essential but come after ensuring the patient's vital signs and fluid status are stable.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory failure. Patients with COPD are at risk for respiratory failure due to impaired gas exchange and respiratory muscle weakness. This can lead to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Monitoring for signs such as increased work of breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. Hypoglycemia (A) is not a common complication of COPD. Hyperkalemia (C) is less likely to occur in COPD unless the patient is on medications that can cause elevated potassium levels. Anemia (D) may be present in COPD due to chronic inflammation, but it is not a direct complication that requires monitoring for signs of respiratory failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum creatinine levels. In patients with chronic kidney disease, monitoring serum creatinine levels is crucial because it reflects kidney function. An increase in creatinine levels indicates worsening kidney function. Hemoglobin levels (B) are important in assessing anemia, common in CKD, but not the priority. White blood cell count (C) and platelet count (D) may indicate infection or bleeding, respectively, but are not specific to kidney function in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Senile angiomas. Senile angiomas are common benign growths of small blood vessels that appear as bright-red dots on the skin, commonly seen in older individuals. In this case, the patient is 32 years old, which is relatively young for an appearance of senile angiomas, but still within the possible age range. Anasarca (A) is generalized edema, not related to the described skin condition. Scleroderma (B) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by skin thickening and not associated with bright-red dots. Latent myeloma (D) is a type of bone marrow cancer and not related to the skin findings described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure and heart rate. This is crucial in assessing the cardiac function of a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate helps in evaluating cardiovascular status and detecting any potential complications. Abnormal values in these parameters can indicate inadequate perfusion to the heart or other organs, which can be life-threatening. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Temperature and respiratory rate are important assessments but not the priority for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. C: Bowel sounds and abdominal girth are more relevant for gastrointestinal issues and not a priority in this scenario. D: Urine output and skin integrity are important assessments for overall health but do not directly relate to the cardiovascular status in a patient with a history of myocardial infarction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because in the socioenvironmental model, the health care provider aims to help the patient view health as a resource. This approach emphasizes empowering patients to take control of their health by recognizing it as an asset that enables them to lead fulfilling lives. By focusing on health as a resource, the provider encourages positive health behaviors and preventive measures. A, changing the patient's perceptions of disease, is incorrect because the socioenvironmental model does not solely target disease perceptions but rather prioritizes health promotion. B, identification of biomedical model interventions, is incorrect as the socioenvironmental model places more emphasis on holistic and social determinants of health rather than solely biomedical interventions. C, identifying the negative health behaviors of the patient, is also incorrect as the model aims to address health behaviors in a positive and empowering way rather than focusing solely on negatives.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Please describe what happens to you when you take penicillin." This response allows the nurse to gather detailed information about the patient's allergic reaction to penicillin, which is crucial for assessing the severity of the allergy and determining appropriate treatment options. By understanding the specific symptoms experienced by the patient, the nurse can help prevent potential adverse reactions in the future. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A: This question does not address the immediate concern of the patient's penicillin allergy and does not help in understanding the nature of the allergic reaction. B: The frequency of penicillin usage is not as relevant as understanding the nature and severity of the allergic reaction. C: While recording allergy information is important, it does not address the need for understanding the patient's specific allergic response to penicillin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In CKD, limiting potassium and phosphorus intake is crucial to prevent electrolyte imbalances and further kidney damage. Excessive protein intake can worsen kidney function, so the patient should not eat as much protein as they want. Increasing fluid intake is beneficial for hydration, but sodas are not recommended due to their high sugar and phosphorus content, which can be harmful for CKD patients. Therefore, option A is the best choice for proper understanding of dietary changes in CKD.