A nurse is assessing internal variables that are affecting the patient's health status. Which area should the nurse assess?

Socioeconomic factors

Family practices

Cultural background

Perception of functioning

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Socioeconomic factors:
Socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and employment status, are considered external variables that influence a patient's health. These factors impact access to resources and healthcare, but they are not internal variables. Internal factors relate to personal perceptions, behaviors, and beliefs that the patient has regarding their health.

B) Family practices:
Family practices also fall under external variables. These include the health behaviors, habits, and routines practiced by the family, which can influence a patient’s health but are not internal to the individual. The nurse should assess how family practices affect health but not as internal variables.

C) Cultural background:
Cultural background is another external variable that can influence health practices, beliefs, and behaviors. It shapes how patients perceive illness, health care, and healing. While important to assess for understanding a patient's worldview, it does not fall under the category of internal variables.

D) Perception of functioning:
Perception of functioning is an internal variable because it reflects how the patient views their own health status and capabilities. This includes their sense of well-being, physical limitations, and emotional health. A patient’s perception of their functioning can directly impact their decision-making and actions related to their health, and it is essential for the nurse to assess this to guide care effectively.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) A patient with a stage IV pressure ulcer: While logrolling is important for patients with pressure ulcers to prevent further skin damage and to ensure proper positioning, it is not the most common intervention for a patient with a stage IV pressure ulcer. For such patients, the primary focus is on wound care, pain management, and preventing further pressure on the affected area, rather than using logrolling as a primary method of movement.

B) A patient with neck surgery: Logrolling is most commonly used for patients with spinal injuries or those who have had neck surgery. The goal is to maintain the alignment of the spine during movement to avoid causing further injury or strain. This technique helps prevent flexion or twisting of the neck and spine, which is critical for the safety of patients recovering from neck surgery.

C) A patient with hypostatic pneumonia: Hypostatic pneumonia, a type of lung infection due to immobility, is more commonly managed through respiratory interventions like deep breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, and turning the patient to prevent secretion buildup in the lungs. While positioning is important, logrolling is not specifically indicated for this condition unless there is a concurrent spinal injury or surgery.

D) A patient with a total knee replacement: Logrolling is not typically required for patients with total knee replacements. The patient may need to be positioned carefully to protect the knee joint, but the primary focus in their care is on joint mobility, pain management, and preventing complications related to immobility, rather than performing logrolling to protect the spine or neck.

A. Anxiety B. Not seeing family members C. Not eating D. Mental Health

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Anxiety: While anxiety is a significant concern, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes addressing physiological needs first, as they form the foundation for higher-level needs. Anxiety can be a secondary concern, but it is often tied to unmet basic needs like hunger, so addressing the physiological need for nourishment should take priority.

B) Not seeing family members: Emotional support from family members is important for mental health and well-being, but according to Maslow's hierarchy, psychological needs like social connection come after physiological needs. The patient’s refusal to see family members may be influenced by underlying physiological issues such as hunger or anxiety, making it less urgent to address initially.

C) Not eating: According to Maslow’s hierarchy, the most immediate priority is addressing physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter. If a patient is not eating, it can lead to further health complications like malnutrition, weakness, and decreased energy. Ensuring the patient’s basic physiological needs are met, such as eating, should be the nurse's first priority to stabilize the patient before addressing other concerns.

D) Mental Health: Mental health concerns, like anxiety, are important but are considered a higher-level need in Maslow's hierarchy, following physiological needs. Addressing mental health issues such as anxiety may be necessary, but it is more effective once the basic physiological needs, such as eating and hydration, are met.

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A nurse is assessing internal variables that are affecting the patient's health status. Which area should the nurse assess?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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