Select the closed-ended question below.

Choice A reason: Pain rating is considered a subjective vital sign, assessed via patient self-reporting, often on a 0-10 scale. It reflects neurological and emotional status, guiding pain management. Including it as a vital sign is a valid clinical practice, making this choice a correct use.

Choice B reason: In less stable clients, vital signs should be checked more frequently than once daily, often every few hours, to monitor deteriorating conditions like sepsis or shock. This statement inaccurately suggests infrequent monitoring, which is not a standard use of vital signs, making it the correct answer.

Choice C reason: Vital signs assess circulatory (blood pressure, pulse), respiratory (respirations, pulse oximetry), neurological (via pulse and responsiveness), and endocrine (temperature) systems. They provide critical data on physiological function, making this a valid use of vital signs in comprehensive health assessments.

Choice D reason: Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry, which measure thermoregulation, cardiovascular, and respiratory status. This is a standard definition in clinical practice, accurately reflecting the components of vital sign assessment, making it a correct use.

Choice A reason: White patches on the tongue and mouth with dysphagia indicate oral thrush, a Candida albicans infection, common in hospitalized patients due to immunosuppression or antibiotics. Antifungal treatment is needed to prevent esophageal spread. Accurate diagnosis ensures timely therapy, critical for relieving symptoms and avoiding complications in vulnerable patients.

Choice B reason: Bad breath (halitosis) may accompany oral issues but doesn’t cause white patches or dysphagia, which indicate thrush. Assuming bad breath misdiagnoses the condition, delaying antifungal treatment and risking progression of Candida infection, potentially leading to systemic complications in long-term hospitalized patients with compromised immunity.

Choice C reason: Oral ulcers cause painful sores, not white patches or widespread dysphagia, unlike thrush’s creamy lesions. Misidentifying as ulcers risks inappropriate treatment, delaying antifungals needed for Candida. This error could worsen swallowing difficulties, compromising nutrition and recovery in hospitalized patients with suspected oral infections.

Choice D reason: Assuming nothing ignores white patches and dysphagia, clear signs of oral thrush in hospitalized patients. Neglecting these risks untreated Candida infection, potentially spreading to the esophagus or systemically, especially in immunocompromised patients. Prompt recognition and antifungal therapy are critical to prevent complications and ensure patient comfort.