During a comprehensive health history, a client reports coming into the hospital because he "feels like an elephant is sitting on his chest." The nurse will document this information in which of the following sections?
Family History
Past Medical History
Chief Complaint
Present Illness
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Family History is used to document health events in the patient's family, including diseases that may be hereditary or place the patient at risk. The statement about feeling like an elephant is sitting on the chest is not related to family health but is a description of the patient's current symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
Past Medical History includes information about the patient's past health issues, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, and treatments. It does not include current symptoms or the reasons for the current hospital visit.
Choice C Reason:
The Chief Complaint is the section where the nurse documents the primary reason for the patient's visit in their own words. The phrase "feels like an elephant is sitting on his chest" is a classic description of chest pain or discomfort, often associated with cardiac issues, and would be documented here as it represents the patient's main concern.
Choice D Reason:
Present Illness or History of Present Illness would include a detailed account of the development of the patient's illness or health concern. While it is closely related to the Chief Complaint, it is more detailed and includes the onset, duration, and character of the symptoms, among other aspects. The initial statement would be part of the Chief Complaint, which leads into the more detailed History of Present Illness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a reason:
A client recently diagnosed with a chronic illness would require a comprehensive health history that includes past medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors. While important, it is not typically categorized as an emergency health history unless the chronic condition has acutely worsened.
Choice b reason:
A client presenting with hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), an oxygen saturation of 85% (indicating potential hypoxemia), and a recent gunshot wound is experiencing a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. An Emergency health history is crucial in this scenario to quickly gather information that will guide urgent treatment decisions.
Choice c reason:
A client who has just confirmed pregnancy would need a detailed health history, including obstetric and gynecological history, but this is not considered an emergency unless there are complications or concerns that require immediate attention.
Choice d reason:
A client who frequently visits the hospital reporting the same symptom may indicate a chronic issue that needs ongoing management rather than an emergency. However, if the symptom suggests an acute exacerbation or a new, serious condition, it could escalate to an emergency.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Objective data refers to information that is observable and measurable by the healthcare provider, such as vital signs, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. The patient's statements about his feelings are not objective data because they cannot be directly measured or observed by the nurse.
Choice b reason:
Introspective data is not a commonly used term in healthcare. Introspection generally refers to the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings, which in the context of healthcare, can be part of subjective data as it is reported by the patient.
Choice c reason:
Subjective data consists of information that is reported by the patient, including feelings, perceptions, and concerns. It is called 'subjective' because it is based on the patient's personal experience and cannot be independently verified by the nurse. In this case, the patient's report of feeling anxious, nauseated, and hot is considered subjective data.
Choice d reason:
Reflective data is not a standard term in healthcare documentation. Reflection is a process of personal thought and does not pertain to the clinical data gathered during a patient assessment.
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