The nurse applies a warmed blanket to a chilled patient. Which term is used to describe the process by which the blanket increases the patient’s temperature?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because "Are you having any difficulty breathing right now?" is not an open-ended question. An open-ended question is a question that requires more than a yes or no answer and elicits more information from the speaker. This question can be answered with a yes or no, and does not encourage the patient to describe their condition in detail.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because "What does your chest pain feel like?" is an open-ended question. An open-ended question is a question that requires more than a yes or no answer and elicits more information from the speaker. This question invites the patient to describe the quality, intensity, location, and duration of their chest pain, which can help the nurse to assess the possible cause and severity of the problem.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because "Do you have a family history of heart disease?" is not an open-ended question. An open-ended question is a question that requires more than a yes or no answer and elicits more information from the speaker. This question can be answered with a yes or no, and does not encourage the patient to provide more details about their health history or risk factors.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because "How long have you been experiencing chest pain?" is not an open-ended question. An open-ended question is a question that requires more than a yes or no answer and elicits more information from the speaker. This question can be answered with a specific time, and does not encourage the patient to provide more information about their symptoms or situation.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Documenting the finding in the patient’s medical record is an important step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first confirm the irregularity by counting the apical pulse.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Assessing the brachial pulse for a pulse deficit is a useful technique, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. A pulse deficit is the difference between the apical and radial pulse rates. The nurse should first count the apical pulse before comparing it with the radial pulse.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Notifying the health care provider immediately is a necessary step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first gather more information by counting the apical pulse and determining the type and severity of the irregularity.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Counting the patient’s apical pulse for one full minute is the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The apical pulse is the most accurate way to measure the heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should listen to the heart sounds at the apex of the heart, which is located at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. The nurse should count the number of beats and note any irregularities, such as skipped, extra, or uneven beats..