What is the correct term for the nursing action of deciding that a nonverbal patient who just had surgery is in pain and administering an analgesic, based on the observation that the patient moans with position changes, the hands are clenched, and the skin is very sweaty?

Choice A reason: This is correct. The patient must hold on to the railing when ambulating in the hallway indicates that the patient is experiencing difficulty with proprioception. Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its own position, movement, and spatial orientation. It helps the patient maintain balance and coordination. If the patient has impaired proprioception, they may feel unsteady or fall when walking without support.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The patient must add extra seasoning to food in order for it to have any flavor does not indicate that the patient is experiencing difficulty with proprioception. This may indicate that the patient has a reduced sense of taste, which can be caused by various factors, such as aging, medication, infection, or smoking. It does not affect the patient's perception of their body or movement.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The patient suffered a first-degree burn when a heating pad was left on too long does not indicate that the patient is experiencing difficulty with proprioception. This may indicate that the patient has a reduced sense of pain or temperature, which can be caused by nerve damage, diabetes, or spinal cord injury. It does not affect the patient's perception of their body or movement.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The patient did not smell smoke even though the smoke detector was alarming does not indicate that the patient is experiencing difficulty with proprioception. This may indicate that the patient has a reduced sense of smell, which can be caused by nasal congestion, allergy, infection, or head injury. It does not affect the patient's perception of their body or movement.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because calling the operator to activate the fire alarm is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Calling the operator to activate the fire alarm is an important action to alert the fire department and the other staff and patients, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before calling for help.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because closing the door to contain the fire is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Closing the door to contain the fire is a helpful action to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before containing the fire.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because utilizing a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Utilizing a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is a possible action to control the fire, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before attempting to extinguish the fire.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because removing the patient to a safe area is the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Removing the patient to a safe area is the most urgent and priority action to protect the patient from the fire, smoke, and heat. The nurse should first assess the patient for any injuries or burns, and then move the patient to a safe and clear location away from the fire.