The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client prior to a scheduled cholecystectomy. While interviewing the client, which assessment technique should the nurse use when asking about the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol?

Allow the client to decline answering social questions.

Obtain a drug urine screen to verify legitimacy of client's stated history.

Use the term illegal or illicit to describe street drugs.

Ask specifically about alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amounts.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:
Allowing the client to decline answering social questions is inappropriate. This approach respects the client's autonomy and privacy by giving them the option to decline answering questions they may feel uncomfortable or unwilling to discuss. However, for the purpose of ensuring comprehensive care and assessing potential risks associated with substance use, it's important for the nurse to gather relevant information about the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a drug urine screen to verify legitimacy of client's stated history is inappropriate. While obtaining a drug urine screen may provide objective information about recent drug use, it may not be indicated during the initial health history and may not accurately reflect the client's past substance use history. Additionally, relying solely on laboratory testing without actively engaging the client in open communication may hinder the development of trust and rapport between the client and the healthcare provider.
Choice C Reason:
Using the term illegal or illicit to describe street drugs is inappropriate. Using the terms "illegal" or "illicit" may carry negative connotations and could potentially stigmatize the client's substance use. This approach may create barriers to open communication and may not accurately capture the client's experiences or perceptions regarding their substance use. Additionally, it's important to use language that is respectful and nonjudgmental when discussing sensitive topics such as substance use.
Choice D Reason:
Asking specifically about alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amounts is appropriate. This approach is the most appropriate because it directly addresses the substances of concern and allows for comprehensive assessment of the client's substance use history. By asking specifically about commonly used substances and their amounts, the nurse ensures that key information is gathered in a respectful and nonjudgmental manner, facilitating open communication and accurate assessment of the client's needs.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Ask about recent abdominal trauma: in this case, the depressed umbilicus is a normal finding, so no further action related to trauma assessment is necessary.

Choice B Reason:

Palpate the area for masses: Palpating the area for masses is a good practice during abdominal assessments. However, in the context of a depressed umbilicus, this finding is not indicative of an abnormal mass. Therefore, palpation is not specifically warranted.

Choice C Reason:

Document the normal finding: Correct! A depressed umbilicus that lies below the surface of the abdomen is considered a normal variation. Documenting this finding ensures accurate and comprehensive assessment documentation.

Choice D Reason:

Observe the midline for scarring: While observing the midline for scarring is relevant in some situations (such as assessing for surgical scars), it’s not directly related to the depressed umbilicus. Therefore, this action is not necessary based on the specific finding described.

A. Recently had dental surgery. B. Takes an oral anticoagulant. C. Adheres to a gluten free diet. D. Works in a day care center.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Recently had dental surgery is incorrect. Dental surgery may involve procedures that could cause minor trauma to the oral tissues, leading to localized bruising (ecchymosis) around the mouth or jaw area. However, this localized bruising would typically not explain the presence of ecchymosis observed on the trunk and extremities. Therefore, while dental surgery may be relevant to the client's overall health history, it is less likely to directly relate to the widespread ecchymosis observed.
Choice B Reason:
Takes an oral anticoagulant is correct. Taking an oral anticoagulant medication increases the risk of bleeding, which can manifest as ecchymosis (bruising) on the skin. Anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin can interfere with the blood's ability to clot, leading to bleeding into the skin and subsequent ecchymosis. Therefore, this information is particularly important to follow up on as it may directly contribute to the observed ecchymosis.
Choice C Reason:
Adheres to a gluten-free diet is incorrect. Adhering to a gluten-free diet is typically related to managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. While celiac disease can be associated with certain skin conditions, ecchymosis is not a typical manifestation of gluten intolerance. Therefore, while this information may be relevant to the client's overall health, it is less likely to directly explain the observed ecchymosis.
Choice D Reason:
Works in a day care center is incorrect. Working in a day care center may involve activities that could result in minor injuries or bruises, but it is less likely to explain widespread ecchymosis observed on the trunk and extremities. While accidental injuries are possible in a daycare setting, they would typically be localized and not widespread. Therefore, while this information may be relevant to the client's occupation and risk of injury, it is less likely to directly relate to the observed ecchymosis.

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The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client prior to a scheduled cholecystectomy. While interviewing the client, which assessment technique should the nurse use when asking about the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During assessment of a client's abdomen, the nurse observes that the client's umbilicus is depressed and below the surface of the abdomen. What action should the nurse take in response to this observation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When inspecting the client's skin, the nurse observes several areas of ecchymosis on the trunk and extremities. Which information in the client's history requires additional follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

An adult client exhibits an allergic reaction to an Insect bite. The nurse should observe the client's skin for which finding?

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