HA Chapter 1-3: Analysis phase of nursing process; Subjective vs. Objective Data

A young man has presented to the clinic with a 2-week history of head congestion, fever, and malaise. What assessment technique should the nurse utilize to assess for sinus tenderness? A) Light palpation B) Deep palpation C) Direct percussion D) Blunt percussion

Direct percussion

An instructor is teaching a student about the proper use of a stethoscope. The instructor determines the need for additional teaching when the student states which of the following? A) Plastic tubing should be longer than 3 feet. B) The bell is used after using the diaphragm. C) When using the bell, push on it lightly. D) A diaphragm picks up low-pitched sounds.

When using the bell, push on it lightly.

The nurse is performing a health assessment on a community-dwelling client who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize during assessment? A) Focus the assessment on the client as a member of her age group. B) Interpret the information about the client in context. C) Corroborate the client's statements with trusted sources. D) Gather information from a variety of sources.

Interpret the information about the client in context.

A nurse on a postsurgical unit is admitting a client following the client's cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). What is the overall purpose of assessment for this client? A) Collecting accurate data B) Assisting the primary care provider C) Validating previous data D) Making clinical judgments

Making clinical judgments

The nurse is preparing to assess an older adult client's near vision. Which of the following pieces of equipment would be most appropriate for the nurse to use? A) Newspaper B) Snellen chart C) Ophthalmoscope D) Penlight

Newspaper

A 20-year-old female client has presented to the clinic, and the nurse is preparing to perform a comprehensive assessment. The client states, I'd really like to have my mom in the room. That's okay, isn't it? How should the nurse best respond to the client's request? A) Of course. There's a chair in the exam room where she can sit. B) That's no problem. I'll just have to get you to sign a privacy waiver first. C) That's fine, but be aware that some of the examinations might be embarrassing for you or her. D) It's best to undergo the examination alone in order to make sure I get accurate data, but if you really want her present, we can do that.

Of course. There's a chair in the exam room where she can sit.

The nurse is using her fingerpads to palpate a client's body part during the physical examination. Which of the following would the nurse best be able to detect? A) Temperature B) Vibrations C) Pulses D) Fremitus

Pulses

A nurse is interviewing a 22-year-old client of the campus medical clinic. Which nonverbal behavior should the nurse adopt to best facilitate communication during this phase of assessment? A) Standing while the client is seated B) Using a moderate amount of eye contact C) Sitting across the room from the client D) Minimizing facial expressions

Using a moderate amount of eye contact

Which of the following client situations would the nurse interpret as requiring an emergency assessment? A) A pediatric client with severe sunburn B) A client needing an employment physical C) A client who overdosed on acetaminophen D) A distraught client who wants a pregnancy test

A client who overdosed on acetaminophen

A nurse is creating a genogram of a client's family health history. The nurse should use which of the following symbols to denote the client's female relatives? A) Circle B) Square C) Triangle D) Rectangle

Circle

The nurse is completing an assessment of a 50-year-old female client who has sought care for recurrent migraines that have not responded to treatment. Following the review of systems, how should the nurse best document unremarkable results of the subjective portion of the gastrointestinal assessment? A) "Client's gastrointestinal health is within reference ranges for age." B) "Client denies GI signs and symptoms." C) "Gastrointestinal problems are absent." D) "Client denies recent constipation, diarrhea, bowel incontinence, or abdominal pain."

"Client denies recent constipation, diarrhea, bowel incontinence, or abdominal pain."

The nurse is preparing to assess an adult woman's activities related to health promotion and maintenance. Which question should the nurse ask to obtain the most objective and thorough assessment data? A) "Do you always wear your seatbelt when driving?" B) "How much beer, wine, or alcohol do you drink?" C) "Do you use condoms with each sexual encounter?" D) "Could you describe how you perform self-breast exams?"

"Could you describe how you perform self-breast exams?"

During the interview, the client states, "Is today the 12th? My wife died 2 months ago today." Which of the following responses would be most appropriate? A) "What was the cause of your wife's death?" B) "How does that make you feel right now?" C) "You probably must be sad." D) "Are you feeling sad, depressed, angry, or upset?"

"How does that make you feel right now?"

A client's elevated body mass index (BMI) has prompted the nurse to assess the client's activity and exercise level. Which statement would indicate to the nurse that the client is getting the recommended amount of exercise? A) "I walk briskly on the treadmill once or twice a week." B) "I play basketball with a team every Friday night without fail." C) "I go to a step class for an hour three times a week." D) "I swim for at least half an hour each Saturday morning."

"I play basketball with a team every Friday night without fail."

A 71-year-old woman has been admitted to the hospital for a vaginal hysterectomy, and the nurse is collecting subjective data prior to surgery. Which statement by the nurse could be construed as judgmental? A) "How often do your adult children typically visit you?" B) "Your husband's death must have been very difficult for you." C) "You must quit smoking because it affects others, not only you." D) "How would you describe your feelings about getting older?"

"You must quit smoking because it affects others, not only you."

The nurse assists a client into the dorsal recumbent position. Assessment of which area is contraindicated when the client is in this position? A) Chest B) Head C) Peripheral pulses D) Abdomen

Abdomen

A nurse provides care in a rural hospital that serves a community that has few minority residents. When interviewing a client from a minority culture, the nurse has enlisted the assistance of a "culture broker." How can this individual best facilitate the client's care? A) By interpreting the client's language and culture B) By evaluating the client's culturally based health practices C) By teaching the client about health care D) By making the client feel comfortable and safe

By interpreting the client's language and culture

The nurse has completed an initial assessment of a newly admitted client and is applying the nursing process to plan the client's care. What principle should the nurse apply when using the nursing process? A) Each step is independent of the others. B) It is ongoing and continuous. C) It is used primarily in acute care settings. D) It involves independent nursing actions.

It is ongoing and continuous.

The nurse is inspecting the dominant hand of an older adult client and notes the presence of irregularly shaped brown lesions on the dorsal surface of the client's hand. What action should the nurse perform next? A) Obtain a tissue sample for pathology B) Compare the appearance of the client's other hand C) Palpate the lesions for tenderness and warmth D) Perform health promotion teaching about sun protection

Compare the appearance of the client's other hand

When assessing the temperature of the feet of an older client with diabetes, the nurse would use which part of the hand to obtain the most accurate assessment data? A) Finger pad surface B) Palmar hand surface C) Dorsal hand surface D) Ulnar hand surface

Dorsal hand surface

A young adult client has come to the clinic for her scheduled Pap (Papanicolaou) test and pelvic examination. The nurse is implementing actions to help reduce a client's anxiety during the physical exam. Which of the following would be most appropriate? A) Ensuring client's privacy by providing an examination gown B) Providing a comfortable, warm room temperature C) Arranging exam equipment on a bedside tray table D) Explaining why standard precautions are being used

Ensuring client's privacy by providing an examination gown

A nurse will complete an initial comprehensive assessment of a 60-year-old client who is new to the clinic. What goal should the nurse identify for this type of assessment? A) Identify the most appropriate forms of medical intervention for the client. B) Determine the most likely prognosis for the client's health problem. C) Identify the status of the client's airway, breathing, and circulation. D) Establish a baseline for the comparison of future health changes.

Establish a baseline for the comparison of future health changes.

A nurse is preparing to assess a client who is new to the clinic. When beginning the collection of the client database, which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize? A) Establishing a trusting relationship B) Determining the client's strengths C) Identifying potential health problems D) Making clinical inferences

Establishing a trusting relationship

A client has just been admitted to the postsurgical unit from postanesthetic recovery, and the nurse is in the introductory phase of the client interview. Which of the following activities should the nurse perform first? A) Collaborate with the client to identify problems. B) Explain the purpose of the interview. C) Determine the client's vital signs. D) Obtain family health history data.

Explain the purpose of the interview.

The nurse is using a Wood's light for a client who has complaints of itching, burning, and peeling of the skin between his toes. The nurse is assessing for what etiology of the client's symptoms? A) Parasitic infection B) Fungal infection C) Bacterial infection D) Allergic reaction

Fungal infection

In the course of performing a client's physical assessment, the nurse has changed from using the diaphragm of the stethoscope to using the bell. The nurse is most likely assessing which of the following? A) Heart sounds B) Bowel sounds C) Breath sounds D) Femoral pulses

Heart sounds

A nurse has assessed a client who was admitted to the medical unit to treat acute complications of type 1 diabetes. During the assessment, the client admitted that his blood sugar monitoring when he is at home is ìa bit sporadic.î How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding? A) Identify a nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Health Maintenance. B) Identify a collaborative problem that should involve the occupational therapist. C) Make a referral to the unit's social work department. D) Reassess the client's blood glucose level.

Identify a nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Health Maintenance.

The nurse is examining an older adult client and using a goniometer. Which of the following would the nurse be assessing? A) Extremity edema B) Joint flexion/extension C) Two-point discrimination D) Vibratory sensation

Joint flexion/extension

The nurse has completed the comprehensive health assessment of a client who has been admitted for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. Following the completion of this assessment, the nurse periodically performs a partial assessment primarily for which reason? A) Reassess previously detected problems B) Provide information for the client's record C) Address areas previously omitted D) Determine the need for crisis intervention

Reassess previously detected problems

A nurse who provides care in a hospital setting is creating a plan of nursing care for a client who has a diagnosis of chronic renal failure. The nurse's plan specifies frequent ongoing assessments. The frequency of these nursing assessments should be primarily determined by what variable? A) The client's age B) The unit's protocols C) The client's acuity D) The nurse's potential for liability

The client's acuity

The nurse is utilizing the Health Belief Model in the care of a client whose type 1 diabetes is inadequately controlled. When implementing this model, the nurse should begin by assessing which of the following? A) The client's motivation for change B) The client's medical comorbidities C) The client's learning style D) The client's prognosis for recovery

The client's motivation for change

The nurse is preparing to assess the mental status of a 90-year-old client who is being admitted to the hospital from a long-term care facility. Which of the following should the nurse assess first? A) The client's sensory abilities B) The client's general intelligence C) The presence of any phobias D) The client's judgment and insight

The client's sensory abilities

A nurse is obtaining subjective data from an adult client who is new to the clinic. The nurse has asked the client, "Where do you usually turn for help in a time of crisis?" What domain is this nurse assessing? A) The client's family relationships B) The client's current level of social and relational stability C) The client's critical thinking and problem-solving abilities D) The client's stress management and coping strategies

The client's stress management and coping strategies

A nurse is preparing to perform the physical examination of an adult client who has presented to the clinic for the first time. Which of the following statements should guide the nurse's use of a stethoscope during this phase of assessment? A) Auscultation can be performed through clothing. B) The diaphragm should be held firmly against the body part. C) The bell of the stethoscope can best detect bowel sounds. D) Use of the bell is reserved for advanced practice nurses.

The diaphragm should be held firmly against the body part.

The nurse is preparing to perform a physical examination on a female client who has been transferred to the medical unit from the emergency department. The nurse should begin the collection of objective data with which of the following examinations? A) Head and neck examination B) Palpation of lymph nodes C) Breast examination D) Vital signs

Vital signs

A nurse is admitting a new client to the subacute medical unit and is completing a comprehensive assessment. The nurse is appropriately applying standard precautions by performing which of the following actions? A) Performing hand hygiene between examinations of each body part B) Discarding in the trash can the safety pin that was used to assess sensory perception C) Wearing gloves to palpate the tongue and buccal membranes D) Wearing a gown, gloves, and mask during the physical exam

Wearing gloves to palpate the tongue and buccal membranes

A nurse is providing feedback to a colleague after observing the colleague's interview of a newly admitted client. Which of the following would the nurse identify as an example of a closed-ended question or statement? A) "Tell me about your relationship with your children?" B) "Tell me what you eat in a normal day?" C) "Are you allergic to any medications?" D) "What is your typical day like?"

"Are you allergic to any medications?"

The nurse is obtaining information about a client's past health history. Which client statement would best reflect this component of assessment? A) "My mom's still alive, but my dad died 10 years ago of heart failure." B) "I have a brother with leukemia and a sister with hypertension." C) "I had surgery 5 years ago to repair an inguinal hernia." D) "I have been having some pain when I urinate for the last several days."

"I had surgery 5 years ago to repair an inguinal hernia."

A medical nurse has completed the review of systems component of the client's health history. Which assessment finding should the nurse document under the review of systems? A) "High school diploma plus 2 years of college" B) "Caregiver reliable source of information" C) "Menarche at age 13" D) "Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally"

"Menarche at age 13"

A nurse has admitted a client to the medical unit and is describing the purpose for obtaining a comprehensive health history. Which of the following purposes should the nurse describe? A) "This helps us to complete your health record accurately." B) "This helps us to establish a trusting interpersonal relationship." C) "This helps us to evaluate the seriousness of your risk factors for disease." D) "This helps us have an appropriate focus for the physical examination."

"This helps us have an appropriate focus for the physical examination."

A 60-year-old woman with a bunion will undergo surgery later today. The client tells the nurse in the surgical daycare admitting department, "I'm sure I've been asked these questions before. Can't we just focus on my foot and not all these other topics?" How should the nurse best explain the rationale for obtaining a health history? A) "In general, it's necessary for us to gather as much information about each client as possible." B) "We want to make sure your nursing care matches your needs as closely as possible." C) "The care team needs to cross-reference your diagnostic testing with the information that I'm asking you about." D) "We don't want to make the mistake of focusing solely on the medical problem that brought you here."

"We want to make sure your nursing care matches your needs as closely as possible."

A clinic nurse has reviewed a new client's available health record and will now begin taking the client's health history. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first when obtaining the health history? A) "Do you have adequate health insurance coverage?" B) "Are you generally fairly healthy?" C) "What is your major health concern at this time?" D) "Did you bring all your medications with you?"

"What is your major health concern at this time?"

A client has presented for care with complaints of persistent lower back pain. When using the mnemonic COLDSPA, which question should the nurse use to evaluate the "P"? A) "What makes it worse?" B) "When did it start?" C) "How does it feel?" D) "How would you rate your pain?"

"What makes it worse?"

Upon entering an exam room, the client states, "Well! I was getting ready to leave. My schedule is very busy and I don't have time to waste waiting until you have the time to see me!" Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) "Our schedule is very busy also. We got to you as soon as we could." B) "No one is forcing you to be here, and you are free to leave at any time." C) "Would you like to report your complaints to someone with power?" D) "You're certainly justified in being upset, but I am ready to begin your exam now."

"You're certainly justified in being upset, but I am ready to begin your exam now."

The nurse is evaluating the setting prior to beginning a client's physical examination. The nurse should confirm the presence of which of the following? Select all that apply. A) Adequate lighting B) Cool room temperature C) Quiet surroundings D) Soft chair or table E) Table for equipment F) Door or curtain

- Adequate lighting - Quiet surroundings - Table for equipment - Door or curtain

The nurse is reviewing a client's health history and the results of the most recent physical examination. Which of the following data would the nurse identify as being subjective? Select all that apply. A) I feel so tired sometimes. B) Weight: 145 lbs C) Lungs clear to auscultation D) Client complains of a headache E) My father died of a heart attack. F) Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light

- I feel so tired sometimes. - Client complains of a headache - My father died of a heart attack

The nurse is completing a review of systems for a client. Which of the following information would the nurse document related to the client's musculoskeletal system? Select all that apply. A) Joint stiffness B) Rhinorrhea C) Shortness of breath D) Chest pain E) Muscle strength F) Knee swelling

- Joint stiffness - Muscle strength - Knee swelling

The admission of a new resident to a long-term care facility has necessitated a thorough health history. Place the following focuses in the correct sequence in which the nurse should perform them, beginning with the section obtained first. A) Family health history B) Reason for seeking care C) Biographic data D) Review of body systems E) History of present concern F) Past health history

1. Biographic data 2. Reason for seeking care 3. History of present concern 4. Past health history 5. Family health history 6. Review of body systems

The nurse has been applying the nursing process in the care of an adult client who is being treated for acute pancreatitis. Place the nurse's actions in their proper sequence from first to last. A) Identifying outcomes B) Determining client's nursing problem C) Collecting information about the client D) Determining outcome achievement E) Carrying out interventions

1. Collecting information about the client 2. Determining client's nursing problem 3. Identifying outcomes 4. Carrying out interventions 5. Determining outcome achievement

The nurse is working in an ambulatory care clinic that is located in a busy, inner-city neighborhood. Which client would the nurse determine to be in most need of an emergency assessment? A) A 14-year-old girl who is crying because she thinks she is pregnant B) A 45-year-old man with chest pain and diaphoresis for 1 hour C) A 3-year-old child with fever, rash, and sore throat D) A 20-year-old man with a 3-inch shallow laceration on his leg

A 45-year-old man with chest pain and diaphoresis for 1 hour

The nurse at a busy primary care clinic is analyzing the data obtained from the following clients. For which clients would the nurse most likely expect to facilitate a referral? A) An 80-year-old client who lives with her daughter B) A 50-year-old client newly diagnosed with diabetes C) An adult presenting for an influenza vaccination D) A teenager seeking information about contraception

A 50-year-old client newly diagnosed with diabetes

The nurse is collecting data from a client who has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and who will begin an educational program. The nurse is collecting subjective and objective data. Which of the following would the nurse categorize as objective data? A) Family history B) Occupation C) Appearance D) History of present health concern

Appearance

A client who is new to the facility has a recent history of chronic pain that is attributed to fibromyalgia. The nurse has reviewed the available health records and suspects that pain management will be a major focus of nursing care. How can the nurse best validate this assumption? A) Review the client's medication administration record for analgesic use. B) Ask the client about the most recent experiences of pain. C) Meet with the client's spouse and daughter to discuss the client's pain. D) Collaborate with the physician who is treating the client.

Ask the client about the most recent experiences of pain.

During an assessment, the nurse determines that a client sees more than one primary care provider and has obtained prescriptions from each provider. Which method would be most appropriate to determine a client's current medication regimen? A) Ask the client to identify which medications taken every day. B) Ask the client to bring all the medications and supplements to an interview. C) Ask the caregiver whether the client is taking prescribed medications. D) Ask the client about the use of any over-the-counter medications.

Ask the client to bring all the medications and supplements to an interview.

After teaching a group of students about the phases of the nursing process, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which phase as being foundational to all other phases? A) Assessment B) Planning C) Implementation D) Evaluation

Assessment

A nurse has documented the findings of a comprehensive assessment of a new client. What is the primary rationale that the nurse should identify for accurate and thorough documentation? A) Guaranteeing a continual assessment process B) Identifying abnormal data C) Assuring valid conclusions from analyzed data D) Allowing for drawing inferences and identifying problems

Assuring valid conclusions from analyzed data

A nurse has completed gathering some basic data about a client who has multiple health problems that stem from heavy alcohol use. The nurse has then reflected on her personal feelings about the client and his circumstances. The nurse does this primarily to accomplish which of the following? A) Determine if pertinent data has been omitted B) Identify the need for referral C) Avoid biases and judgments D) Construct a plan of care

Avoid biases and judgments

A nurse practitioner is performing a comprehensive physical examination of a 51-year- old man. After performing a digital-rectal exam for prostate enlargement and tenderness, the nurse checks the fecal material on the gloved finger for the presence of which of the following? A) Parasites B) Blood C) Bacteria D) Fungus

Blood

The emergency department (ED) nurse is assessing for kidney tenderness in a client who has presented with complaints of dysuria and back pain. What assessment technique should the nurse utilize? A) Deep palpation B) Indirect percussion C) Moderate palpation D) Blunt percussion

Blunt percussion

During the nurse's assessment of the client's exercise and activity habits, the client laughs and then states, "Unless you're including channel surfing, I don't really do much of anything." How should the nurse best follow up this client's statement? A) Briefly describe some of the potential benefits of regular exercise. B) Ask the client if he understands the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. C) Explain to the client that he should be performing aerobic exercise for 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a week. D) Document the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Activity Intolerance related to sedentary lifestyle.

Briefly describe some of the potential benefits of regular exercise.

A client has presented to the clinic for the treatment of an ovarian cyst. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to do immediately before performing this woman's physical exam? A) Explain the purpose of the interview to the client. B) Construct the client's family genogram. C) Establish the client's reliability as historian. D) Collect necessary equipment essential to the exam.

Collect necessary equipment essential to the exam.

A nurse has received a report on a client who will soon be admitted to the medical unit from the emergency department. When preparing for the assessment phase of the nursing process, which of the following should the nurse do first? A) Collect objective data. B) Validate important data. C) Collect subjective data. D) Document the data.

Collect subjective data.

A client has presented to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of abdominal pain. Which member of the care team would most likely be responsible for collecting the subjective data on the client during the initial comprehensive assessment? A) Gastroenterologist B) ED nurse C) Admissions clerk D) Diagnostic technician

ED nurse

In response to a client's query, the nurse is explaining the differences between the physician's medical exam and the comprehensive health assessment performed by the nurse. The nurse should describe the fact that the nursing assessment focuses on which aspect of the client's situation? A) Current physiologic status B) Effect of health on functional status C) Past medical history D) Motivation for adherence to treatment

Effect of health on functional status

A group of nurses are reviewing information about the potential opportunities for nurses who have advanced assessment skills. When discussing phenomena that have contributed to these increased opportunities, what should the nurses identify? A) Expansion of health care networks B) Decrease in client participation in care C) The shrinking cost of medical care D) Public mistrust of physicians

Expansion of health care networks

A female client is told that she needs a pelvic exam and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. She says ìAbsolutely not! There's no way I'll let you do that to me!î Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) Explain the importance of the pelvic exam and Pap smear, but respect the client's wishes and omit the exam. B) Tell the client that this is the only way she can be checked for cancer. C) Ask the client if she would prefer another practitioner to perform the exam. D) Proceed with the pelvic exam and document the client's protests in the health record.

Explain the importance of the pelvic exam and Pap smear, but respect the client's wishes and omit the exam.

The nurse is to collect a throat culture from a client who has signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection, including frequent, productive coughing. The nurse demonstrates the best adherence to standard precautions by using which of the following pieces of equipment? A) Eye goggles B) Face mask C) Cover gown D) Face shield

Face shield

A nurse is appraising a colleague's assessment technique as part of a continuing education initiative. The nurse demonstrates the proper technique for light palpation by performing which of the following actions? A) Depressing the skin 1 to 2 centimeters with the dominant hand B) Feeling the surface structures using a circular motion C) Placing the nondominant hand on top of the dominant hand D) Using one hand to apply pressure and the other hand to feel the structure

Feeling the surface structures using a circular motion

A client comes to the health care provider's office for a visit. The client has been seen in this office on occasion for the past 5 years and arrives today complaining of a fever and sore throat. Which type of assessment would the nurse most likely perform? A) Comprehensive assessment B) Ongoing assessment C) Focused assessment D) Emergency assessment

Focused assessment

A nurse is completing an assessment that will involve gathering subjective and objective data. Which of the following assessment techniques will best allow the nurse to collect objective data? A) Inspection B) Therapeutic communication C) Interviewing D) Active listening

Inspection

A nurse is reviewing the four basic physical examination techniques and their sequence prior to receiving a new client from postanesthetic recovery. The nurse should plan to perform which technique first? A) Inspection B) Palpation C) Percussion D) Auscultation

Inspection

An older adult client has been admitted to the hospital with failure to thrive resulting from complications of diabetes. Which of the following would the nurse implement in response to a collaborative problem? A) Encourage the client to increase oral fluid intake. B) Provide the client with a bedtime protein snack. C) Assist the client with personal hygiene. D) Measure the client's blood glucose four times daily.

Measure the client's blood glucose four times daily.

An instructor is reviewing the evolution of the nurse's role in health assessment. The instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as the major method used by nurses early in the history of the profession? A) Natural senses B) Biomedical knowledge C) Simple technology D) Critical pathways

Natural senses

A client has been admitted following an unexplained weight loss of 15 pounds over the past 3 months. How should the nurse best assess the subjective component of the client's nutritional status? A) Ask the client to explain MyPlate. B) Obtain a 24-hour diet recall. C) Ask about the contents of one typical meal. D) Elicit the client's favorite foods.

Obtain a 24-hour diet recall.

A nurse is eliciting a client's health history and the client asks, "Can I take the herb ginkgo biloba with my other medications?" What action would be best if the nurse is unsure of the answer? A) Promise to find out the information for the client. B) Change the subject and return to this topic later. C) Teach the client to only take prescribed medications. D) Encourage the client to ask the pharmacist or primary care provider.

Promise to find out the information for the client.

A client has presented to the emergency department and is having difficulty describing her vague sensation of physical discomfort and unease. How can the nurse best elicit meaningful assessment data about the nature of the client's complaint? A) Ignore the complaint for now and return to it later in the assessment. B) Provide a laundry list of descriptive words. C) Restate the question using simpler terms. D) Wait in silence until the client can determine the correct words.

Provide a laundry list of descriptive words.

A nurse is teaching a recent nursing graduate about the significance of verbal and nonverbal communication during client care. The new graduate demonstrates an understanding of these techniques by citing what example of verbal communication? A) Maintaining an open attitude B) Using silence appropriately C) Providing a laundry list of descriptors when needed D) Maintaining an open and encouraging facial expression

Providing a laundry list of descriptors when needed

The nurse is percussing the area over the client's lungs and hears a loud, low-pitched, hollow sound. The nurse documents this finding as which of the following? A) Flatness B) Resonance C) Tympany D) Dullness

Resonance

The nurse who provides care at an ambulatory clinic is preparing to meet a client and perform a comprehensive health assessment. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first? A) Review the client's medical record. B) Obtain basic biographic data. C) Consult clinical resources explaining the client's diagnosis. D) Validate information with the client.

Review the client's medical record.

The nurse is using the mnemonic "COLDSPA" to assess a client's complaint of lower abdominal pain. The nurse asks the client to rate the pain on a scale of 0 to 10. The nurse is assessing which aspect of the complaint? A) Character B) Onset C) Severity D) Pattern

Severity

A nurse has gathered the necessary equipment for the physical assessment of an adult client. For which of the following assessments would it be most appropriate for a nurse to use a centimeter-scale ruler for measurement? A) Mid-arm circumference B) Client's height C) Skin lesion size D) Pupillary size

Skin lesion size

The nurse is preparing to examine an older adult client. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do during the examination? A) Complete the examination as quickly as possible. B) Speak clearly and slowly when explaining a procedure. C) Begin the examination with auscultation instead of inspection. D) Maintain the supine position for each part of the examination.

Speak clearly and slowly when explaining a procedure.

The nurse is preparing to assess the peripheral pulses of a client. The nurse should place the client in which position? A) Sitting upright B) Supine C) Sims position D) Prone

Supine

When describing the expansion of the depth and scope of nursing assessment over the past several decades, which of the following would the nurse identify as being the primary force? A) Documentation B) Informatics C) Diversification D) Technology

Technology

A community health nurse is assessing an older adult client in the client's home. When the nurse is gathering subjective data, which of the following would the nurse identify? A) The client's feelings of happiness B) The client's posture C) The client's affect D) The client's behavior

The client's feelings of happiness

A nurse on the hospital's subacute medical unit is planning to perform a client's focused assessment. Which of the following statements should inform the nurse's practice? A) The focused assessment should be done before the physical exam. B) The focused assessment replaces the comprehensive database. C) The focused assessment addresses a particular client problem. D) The focused assessment is done after gathering subjective data.

The focused assessment addresses a particular client problem.

The nurse is preparing to perform the physical examination of an older adult client who will begin rehabilitation from an ischemic stroke. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate? A) Omit intrusive parts of the exam. B) Try to minimize position changes. C) Allow client to remain dressed. D) Dim the room light to ensure privacy.

Try to minimize position changes.

The nurse is gathering the necessary equipment preparatory to examining a client's ears. The nurse will be checking bone and air conduction of sound. Which of the following should the nurse obtain? A) Penlight B) Tongue depressor C) Tuning fork D) Otoscope

Tuning fork

A client has a documented history of hepatomegaly (liver enlargement), and the nurse recognizes the need to perform deep palpation during the physical assessment. The nurse should perform which of the following actions? A) Use one hand and depress the skin 1 centimeter. B) Use the dominant hand to depress the skin one-half to three-quarters of an inch. C) Use both hands to depress the skin one-half of an inch. D) Use both hands to depress the skin 1 to 2 inches.

Use both hands to depress the skin 1 to 2 inches.

A nurse is interpreting and validating information from an older adult client who has been experiencing a functional decline. The nurse is in which phase of the interview? A) Introductory B) Working C) Summary D) Closing

Working