John is an RN on an orthopedic unit. He is caring for a patient with a left femur fracture with ORIF repair. Having worked on this unit for many years, he has extensive experience with orthopedic patients. While caring for this ORIF patient, John notices that the patient is beginning to have respiratory difficulties without a respiratory history. He uses clinical reasoning to recognize that this patient might be experiencing a pulmonary embolism. He immediately calls the physician for further orders.

Which type of reasoning did John use to identify the patient's condition?

Choice A reason:

Community health typically focuses on specific populations within a community and involves partnerships between various organizations. While it operates at different levels, it is not as broad in scope as public health.

Choice B reason:

Public health is the correct answer because it works at city, county, state, and national levels. Its main goals include the prevention of illness, protection of the population's health, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and environments.

Choice C reason:

Home health care provides medical services in a patient's home, usually for recovery from an illness or injury. It is more individual-focused and does not operate at the broader levels mentioned in the question.

Choice D reason:

School health focuses on the health of students within the educational setting. It includes services like health education and school nursing, but it does not encompass the broader levels of city, county, state, and national health goals.

Choice A reason: Creating a plan of care is a complex process that involves assessing patient needs, setting goals, and determining the appropriate nursing actions to meet those goals. This falls within the RN's scope of practice as it requires specialized knowledge and critical thinking.

Choice B reason: Starting a peripheral IV is a technical skill that requires training and knowledge of anatomy, aseptic technique, and the potential complications associated with IV therapy. This task is typically performed by an RN or other licensed healthcare professional.

Choice C reason: Delegating to a patient care technician does not fall ONLY under an RN's scope of practice. While RNs can delegate tasks, other healthcare team members, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), may also have the authority to delegate certain tasks within their scope of practice.

Choice D reason: Analyzing data collected is an integral part of the nursing process, which includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. RNs are trained to interpret patient data to make informed decisions about care.

Choice E reason: Giving blood, or administering blood transfusions, is a responsibility that requires understanding of blood types, transfusion reactions, and monitoring. This is within the RN's scope of practice and requires specific training and competency.