The nurse is taking a health history on an adolescent. Which best describes how the chief complaint should be determined?
Use what the adolescent says to determine, in correct medical terminology, what the problem is.
Ask the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?".
Ask for a detailed listing of symptoms.
Interview the parent away from the adolescent to determine the chief complaint.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Ask the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?".
Choice A rationale:
Using the adolescent's own words in correct medical terminology to determine the problem is essential for accurate documentation, but it might not be the initial step in determining the chief complaint. The approach in choice B provides an opportunity for the adolescent to express their primary concern in their own terms.
Choice B rationale:
Asking the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?" allows them to voice their main reason for the visit in their own words. This approach respects their autonomy and encourages open communication. It also helps to identify the primary issue from the adolescent's perspective.
Choice C rationale:
While asking for a detailed listing of symptoms is important for a comprehensive health history, it might not be the best way to initially determine the chief complaint. This approach could potentially overwhelm the patient and miss the opportunity for them to express their primary concern.
Choice D rationale:
Interviewing the parent away from the adolescent might be necessary in certain situations, but it is not the best method for determining the adolescent's chief complaint. The adolescent's input is crucial for understanding their own health concerns and developing a patient-centered approach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Sparse hair.
Choice A rationale:
Sleepiness is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leads to a slower metabolism which can cause fatigue, but not necessarily sleepiness.
Choice B rationale:
Weight loss is not associated with hypothyroidism. In fact, weight gain is a common symptom due to the reduced metabolic rate caused by insufficient thyroid hormone levels.
Choice C rationale:
Sparse hair is a characteristic symptom of hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormones play a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of hair follicles. In hypothyroidism, hair can become brittle, thin, and sparse.

Choice D rationale:
Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism. Constipation, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with this condition due to the slowed digestive processes caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
Choice E rationale:
Puffiness around the eyes is not typically associated with hypothyroidism. However, it is a symptom of another thyroid disorder known as Graves' disease, which is characterized by hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. It is a belief common at this age.
Choice A rationale:
The statement does not suggest a failed attempt to develop a conscience. The scenario described is more related to the cognitive development of an 8-year-old child. Children at this age often have magical thinking and may interpret events, such as illness, as punishments for perceived wrongdoing. This is a normal aspect of their cognitive development rather than a reflection of a failed attempt to develop a conscience.
Choice B rationale:
While beliefs about punishment and consequences are present in many religions, the scenario is not about a general religious belief but rather a specific belief held by the individual child. This belief is reflective of the child's cognitive understanding and not necessarily a religious teaching common to most religions.
Choice C rationale:
The belief is not necessarily suggestive of excessive family pressure. While family dynamics can influence a child's beliefs and behaviors, the scenario describes a typical cognitive developmental stage where children are still learning to differentiate between reality and their own thoughts, leading to magical thinking and unique interpretations.
Choice D rationale:
The belief is indeed common at this age. During middle childhood, children often exhibit concrete operational thinking, which includes a tendency to interpret events in a self-centered and concrete manner. Beliefs like the one described in the scenario, where the child connects her illness to perceived bad behavior and potential consequences, are characteristic of this developmental stage.
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