What is an unexpected finding of the cardiovascular system assessment?

Choice A reason: Smoking history is relevant for vascular or lung issues but not directly for unilateral arm edema, which suggests localized causes like lymphedema. Breast surgery history is more pertinent. Assuming smoking is key risks missing lymphatic causes, delaying diagnosis and management of edema in affected patients.

Choice B reason: Left arm edema may indicate lymphedema from breast surgery, like mastectomy, which disrupts lymphatic drainage. Asking about surgery history is critical to identify causes, guiding interventions like compression therapy. This targeted question ensures accurate diagnosis, preventing complications like chronic swelling or infection in patients with post-surgical edema.

Choice C reason: Recent weight gain may cause generalized edema but is less likely for unilateral arm edema, which points to localized issues like post-surgical lymphedema. Assuming weight gain is key risks overlooking specific causes, delaying targeted treatments critical for managing localized edema and improving patient comfort and function.

Choice D reason: Extra nipples (supernumerary nipples) are anatomical variants, unrelated to arm edema, which likely stems from lymphatic or vascular issues. Assuming this is relevant misdirects assessment, risking neglect of surgical history, critical for diagnosing lymphedema and implementing appropriate interventions like lymphatic drainage or compression.

Choice A reason: Providing a blueprint for patient-centered care describes the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation), guiding systematic care delivery. This is integral, unlike prescribing medications, a physician’s role. Assuming this is not part risks misunderstanding the process, critical for structured, effective nursing care in complex patient scenarios.

Choice B reason: Holistic care enhancing outcomes is central to the nursing process, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs through its steps. This contrasts with prescribing, which is medical. Assuming this is not part misaligns with the process’s purpose, risking fragmented care and reduced effectiveness in patient-centered nursing practice.

Choice C reason: A problem-solving approach for complex clients defines the nursing process, using data to address multifaceted needs systematically. Unlike prescribing, it’s a nursing responsibility. Assuming this is not part undermines the process’s role, risking ineffective care planning and interventions critical for managing complex patient conditions in clinical settings.

Choice D reason: Developing medication prescriptions is a physician’s role, not part of the nursing process, which focuses on assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Nurses administer or educate about medications but don’t prescribe. This distinction ensures role clarity, preventing scope-of-practice errors and supporting collaborative, patient-centered care in healthcare settings.