A nurse needs to access a patient’s electronic medical records. What should the nurse do?

Choice A rationale
On initial evaluation by the home health nurse, a comprehensive assessment is typically performed to gather baseline data. This initial assessment is thorough and includes a detailed history and physical examination to understand the patient’s overall health status. It is not a partial ongoing assessment, which is more focused and conducted after the initial comprehensive assessment to monitor specific issues or changes in the patient’s condition.
Choice B rationale
Reassessing a client for pain after giving pain medication is an example of a partial ongoing assessment. This type of assessment is focused on evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention, such as pain medication, and determining if further action is needed. It involves collecting specific data related to the patient’s pain levels and response to treatment, rather than a comprehensive evaluation of their overall health.
Choice C rationale
Checking skin assessment on a patient with a medical device in place is also an example of a partial ongoing assessment. This focused assessment is conducted to monitor the condition of the skin around the medical device, looking for signs of pressure ulcers, infection, or other complications. It is not a comprehensive assessment but rather a targeted evaluation of a specific area of concern.

Choice D rationale
Preparing the client for discharge involves a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the patient is ready to leave the healthcare facility and can manage their care at home. This assessment includes evaluating the patient’s physical, psychological, and social needs, as well as their ability to perform activities of daily living. It is not a partial ongoing assessment, which is more focused and conducted during the course of care to monitor specific issues.

Choice A rationale
Planning is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse develops a plan of care based on the assessment data and identified nursing diagnoses. It involves setting goals and determining the appropriate interventions to achieve those goals. In this scenario, the nurse is not developing a plan but rather observing the effects of an intervention that has already been implemented.
Choice B rationale
Assessment is the initial phase of the nursing process where the nurse collects and analyzes data about the client’s health status. This includes gathering information through observation, interviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. In this scenario, the nurse is not collecting new data but rather observing the outcome of a previously administered medication.
Choice C rationale
Evaluation is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse assesses the client’s response to the interventions and determines whether the goals of care have been met. In this scenario, the nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of the antihypertensive medication by noting the decrease in the client’s blood pressure. This assessment helps determine if the medication is achieving the desired therapeutic effect.
Choice D rationale
Analysis is the phase of the nursing process where the nurse interprets the assessment data to identify the client’s health problems and needs. It involves critical thinking and clinical judgment to determine the underlying causes of the client’s condition. In this scenario, the nurse is not analyzing data but rather evaluating the outcome of an intervention.