A nurse assesses a patient who reports chest pain radiating down their arm. The nurse notes the patient is sweating and pale, BP 90/50 mmHg, pulse 120bpm, irregular. When developing the plan of care, what type of nursing diagnosis should the nurse use?
Risk
Actual
Syndrome
Wellness
The Correct Answer is B
A. A risk diagnosis applies when a problem has not yet occurred but is likely. This patient is already experiencing chest pain and hemodynamic instability, requiring an actual diagnosis.
B. The patient has current symptoms of chest pain, sweating, pallor, hypotension, and an irregular pulse, indicating a medical condition (possibly myocardial infarction). This justifies an actual diagnosis.
C. Syndrome diagnoses involve a cluster of related diagnoses, such as frail elderly syndrome. This patient’s case does not meet that definition.
D. Wellness diagnoses focus on improving health, not addressing an active medical crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. The patient will be educated about the signs of infection. This is incorrect because it is not specific or measurable. The statement does not describe how the nurse will evaluate whether the patient has understood the information.
B. The patient will know how to manage diabetes effectively. This is incorrect because "know" is not measurable. A better outcome statement would describe a specific action the patient will perform to demonstrate their understanding of diabetes management.
C. The patient will understand the importance of medication adherence. This is incorrect because "understand" is not an observable or measurable behavior. Instead, an outcome should describe an action the patient will take, such as demonstrating how to take medication correctly.
D. The patient will walk 50 feet with a walker unassisted by the end of the week. This is correct because it is specific, measurable, and time-bound. It describes a clear action that the nurse can assess.
E. The patient will demonstrate correct use of an inhaler by the end of the teaching session. This is correct because it is measurable and observable. The nurse can directly assess whether the patient correctly uses the inhaler.
F. The patient will report a pain level of less than 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 within 24 hours of receiving pain medication. This is correct because it is specific, includes a measurable criterion (pain scale), and has a clear timeframe.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The nurse determines to remove a wound dressing when the patient reveals the time of the last dressing change and notices old and new drainage. This is correct because data validation involves verifying information before taking action. The nurse gathers subjective data from the patient (time of last dressing change) and objective data (drainage) before making a clinical decision.
B. The nurse administers pain medicine due at 1700 at 1600 because the patient reports increased pain and the family wants something done. This is incorrect because the nurse has not validated whether the pain medication can be given early or if other interventions should be attempted first.
C. The nurse immediately asks the health care provider for an order of potassium when a patient reports leg cramps. This is incorrect because the nurse has not validated whether the leg cramps are due to low potassium. Leg cramps can result from multiple causes, including dehydration or circulatory issues. Lab values should be checked first.
D. The nurse elevates a leg cast when the patient reports decreased mobility. This is incorrect because decreased mobility does not necessarily indicate the need for elevation. Data validation should include assessing for swelling, circulation, and pain before making a decision.
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