The nurse is caring for a patient who has had diarrhea for the past week. Which additional assessment finding should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Observing the cardiac monitor for increased heart rate may indicate pain indirectly, but it is not the priority. Heart rate changes can result from various factors (e.g., anxiety, hypovolemia). Directly assessing the patient’s pain level provides specific, subjective data to guide interventions, making this choice less immediate.

Choice B reason: Asking the patient to rate the level of pain is the priority, as it directly quantifies the patient’s subjective experience using a standardized scale (e.g., 0-10). This guides pain management decisions, ensures timely intervention, and aligns with patient-centered care, making it the most critical initial action.

Choice C reason: Assessing body language can provide nonverbal pain cues, but it is less precise than verbal pain rating. Subjective pain assessment via patient report is the gold standard, as body language may be misinterpreted or influenced by cultural factors, making this a secondary action.

Choice D reason: Inspecting the incision site is important to rule out complications (e.g., infection, dehiscence), but pain assessment takes precedence to address the patient’s immediate complaint. Pain rating informs whether inspection or other interventions are urgent, making this a follow-up rather than priority action.

Choice A reason: Carrying a pen and paper aids written communication, but expressive aphasia impairs verbal expression, not necessarily writing. A picture board is more effective for nonverbal communication, making this less optimal for immediate needs in expressive aphasia.

Choice B reason: Using a picture board for nonverbal communication is the best strategy for expressive aphasia, as it allows the patient to convey needs visually when verbal speech is impaired. This statement reflects effective understanding of communication alternatives, making it correct.

Choice C reason: Expecting full speech recovery in 1 day is unrealistic, as expressive aphasia recovery varies and often requires prolonged therapy. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of stroke recovery, making it incorrect for effective teaching.

Choice D reason: Thickening drinks prevents aspiration in dysphagia, not directly related to expressive aphasia, which affects speech production. This statement addresses a different stroke complication, making it irrelevant to the teaching focus on communication.