During a physical examination, the Practical Nurse (PN) discovers that the client demonstrates signs of flushed, dry, hot skin; dry oral mucus membranes; and temperature elevation. The PN will treat these data as the basis of a nursing diagnosis plan, as they represent:

Choice A reason: Ineffective thermoregulation is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the body’s ability to maintain a normal temperature range. It can be caused by factors such as infection, inflammation, or environmental exposure. It can result in symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, or shivering. The client’s temperature of 102oF (38.9oC) suggests that they have ineffective thermoregulation, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not immediately life-threatening. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Decreased cardiac output is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It can be caused by factors such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or shock. It can result in symptoms such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, or oliguria. The client’s heart rate of 144 beats/minute and irregular suggests that they have decreased cardiac output, which is the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it can lead to organ failure or death if not treated promptly. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Ineffective breathing patern is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the rate, rhythm, depth, or quality of respirations. It can be caused by factors such as airway obstruction, lung disease, or anxiety. It can result in symptoms such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or hypoxia. The client’s respiratory rate of 22 breaths/minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an ineffective breathing patern. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Ineffective renal tissue perfusion is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the blood flow to the kidneys. It can be caused by factors such as renal artery stenosis, dehydration, or sepsis. It can result in symptoms such as oliguria, hematuria, or azotemia. The client’s vital signs do not indicate an ineffective renal tissue perfusion, and there is no evidence of renal impairment or dysfunction. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: “I hear frustration or perhaps anger in your voice. Could you tell me more about how you are feeling right now?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s emotions, and invites them to express their concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: “It sounds as though you are nervous about going home, but the wound care nurse who will see you also uses excellent technique I am sure your wound will continue to heal.” is a non-therapeutic response, not a therapeutic one. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: “Do you have any concerns about what will happen after discharge that you would like to talk about?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows open-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. It also shows support, which is a communication technique that involves providing emotional or practical assistance to the client, and helping them cope with their situation or problem. It encourages the client to share their thoughts and feelings, and shows that the nurse is interested, supportive, and empathetic. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “Many people who have been in the hospital for an extended period have mixed feelings about going home. Can you tell me how you are feeling about discharge?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows reflection, which is a communication technique that involves restating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show understanding and clarify meaning. It helps the client to feel less alone or isolated, and to explore their own feelings or thoughts. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.