Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of a health history?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a health history aims to gather subjective information about a patient's past and current health. It helps in understanding the patient's health concerns, medical history, lifestyle factors, and other relevant information. By collecting this data, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding the patient's care. Option A is incorrect as the purpose is more than just interaction. Option B is incorrect as it focuses solely on biographical information. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to physical assessment findings, not subjective health information.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. Patients with chronic liver disease are at risk for developing jaundice due to impaired liver function leading to the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates worsening liver function. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic liver disease, more commonly seen in diabetes. B: Hyperglycemia - Not typically associated with chronic liver disease unless the patient has underlying diabetes. D: Anemia - Can be a complication of chronic liver disease, but monitoring for jaundice takes priority due to its direct association with liver dysfunction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because asking about future plans post-hospital discharge assesses judgment by evaluating the individual's ability to make considered decisions and anticipate consequences. Choice A focuses on paranoia, not judgment. Choice C assesses interpretation skills, not judgment. Choice D evaluates honesty or ethics, not judgment. Therefore, B is the best choice for assessing judgment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Does Salil take medicine?" This is the best question because it is simple, direct, and focuses on gathering important medical information. It is clear and easy to understand even with a language barrier. Choice B is irrelevant and not related to the patient's health status. Choice C assumes symptoms without context. Choice D is inappropriate as it refers to the patient in the third person and includes a leading statement. Asking about medication directly is the most appropriate approach in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the patient's family to bring in the medications will ensure accurate identification and understanding of the medications. This step is crucial in ensuring the patient's safety and well-being. Choice A is incorrect as appearance alone may not provide accurate information. Choice B is dismissive and does not address the issue. Choice C focuses on duration rather than addressing the immediate concern of medication identification.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory failure. In chronic asthma, persistent inflammation and airway remodeling can lead to worsening lung function and respiratory distress, ultimately resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress such as increased work of breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. A: Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication of asthma. B: Oxygen toxicity is not a common complication in asthma management unless high concentrations of supplemental oxygen are administered for prolonged periods. C: Hyperkalemia is not directly associated with asthma but may occur as a complication of certain asthma treatments or comorbid conditions. Therefore, the priority complication to monitor in a patient with chronic asthma is respiratory failure due to the progressive nature of the disease and the potential for acute exacerbations.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask the patient to lie flat and breathe normally. This position allows for optimal lung expansion, making it easier to hear breath sounds accurately. Asking the patient to lie flat also provides a consistent baseline for comparison across different patients. A: Asking the patient to take deep breaths before auscultation may alter their normal breathing pattern and make it difficult to assess baseline lung sounds accurately. B: Having the patient sit upright can be helpful for certain assessments, but lying flat is preferred for auscultating lung sounds. C: Examining for symmetry is important but not directly related to the optimal position for auscultation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because using the inhaler every 30 minutes for trouble breathing is not recommended. Overuse can lead to medication side effects and potential worsening of symptoms. A: Holding breath after inhaling helps medication reach lungs. B: Using inhaler before exercise can prevent exercise-induced symptoms. D: Rinsing mouth prevents thrush, a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Open-ended question. This verbal skill allows the patient to provide detailed information and express their feelings freely. By asking the patient to talk more about their shortness of breath, the nurse encourages a comprehensive response. Reflection (A) involves paraphrasing the patient's words, not eliciting more information. Facilitation (B) involves encouraging the patient to continue but does not necessarily prompt open-ended responses. Direct question (C) typically elicits a specific answer and limits the patient's response.