The nurse should use which location for eliciting deep tendon reflexes?

Choice A rationale

A stat medication order signifies an immediate and urgent administration of the drug, typically within 30 minutes of the order. This is for critical situations where delay could significantly impact patient outcome, requiring prompt action rather than nurse's judgment for necessity.

Choice B rationale

A PRN (pro re nata) medication order means "as needed.”. This type of order grants the nurse professional discretion to administer the medication based on their assessment of the patient's condition and the specific criteria outlined in the order, such as pain level or fever.

Choice C rationale

A scheduled medication order involves administering the drug at regularly prescribed intervals, such as every 8 hours or once daily. The timing is predetermined, and the nurse's primary role is adherence to the schedule, with less independent judgment regarding administration necessity.

Choice D rationale

A single-dose order is for a medication to be given only once at a specific time. This is often used for preoperative medications or diagnostic procedures. Like scheduled orders, the timing is set, and the nurse's judgment about the necessity of administration is not the primary factor.

Choice A rationale

Inspection is the systematic observation of the patient using the senses of sight, smell, and hearing. It is always the first technique used in a physical assessment because it provides a foundational understanding of the patient's general appearance, symmetry, posture, skin condition, and any visible abnormalities before physical contact is made.

Choice B rationale

Auscultation involves listening to sounds produced by the body, such as heart sounds, lung sounds, and bowel sounds, using a stethoscope. While crucial for assessing various body systems, it typically follows inspection and palpation to avoid altering natural body sounds.

Choice C rationale

Percussion involves tapping on body surfaces to elicit sounds that indicate the density of underlying tissues and organs. This technique helps in assessing organ size, shape, and consistency, but it is performed after inspection and palpation, as it involves direct contact and manipulation.

Choice D rationale

Palpation involves using the sense of touch to assess characteristics such as texture, temperature, moisture, organ size and location, and tenderness. While a vital component of the physical assessment, it follows inspection to avoid introducing discomfort or altering initial observations.