What is the main purpose of the health assessment?

To establish a rapport with the client and family

To establish a data base against which subsequent assessments can be measured

To gather information for specialists to whom the client may be referred

To qualify the degree of pain the client may be experiencing

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) To establish a rapport with the client and family: While building rapport is an important aspect of the health assessment process, it is not the primary purpose. Establishing a trusting relationship can enhance communication and the quality of care, but the overarching goal of the assessment extends beyond interpersonal dynamics.

B) To establish a database against which subsequent assessments can be measured: This is the primary purpose of a health assessment. By collecting comprehensive baseline data regarding a client's health status, the nurse creates a reference point for future evaluations. This allows for the monitoring of changes in the patient's condition over time, facilitating timely interventions when necessary.

C) To gather information for specialists to whom the client may be referred: Although gathering relevant information for potential referrals is beneficial, it is not the main purpose of the health assessment. The assessment primarily serves to inform the current healthcare team about the patient's status rather than focusing solely on future consultations.

D) To qualify the degree of pain the client may be experiencing: Assessing pain is an important component of a comprehensive health assessment, but it is just one aspect among many. The overall purpose of the health assessment encompasses a broader evaluation of physical, emotional, and social factors affecting the client's health.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) The patient has asthma: While asthma can lead to respiratory symptoms and issues, it is not typically associated with clubbing of the fingernails. Asthma primarily affects airway constriction and inflammation, rather than causing the long-term changes in nail morphology seen with clubbing.

B) The patient has cardiovascular disease: Although some cardiovascular conditions can lead to clubbing, it is more commonly associated with chronic lung diseases. Cardiovascular disease might cause other signs or symptoms, but clubbing alone is not a definitive indicator of this condition.

C) The patient has emphysema: Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by the destruction of lung tissue and impaired airflow. While it can contribute to hypoxemia, clubbing is not a common finding specifically associated with emphysema.
D) The patient has chronic hypoxemia: Clubbing of the fingernails is a classic sign of chronic hypoxemia, often resulting from long-term respiratory conditions like COPD, interstitial lung disease, or lung cancer. It indicates a prolonged lack of oxygen in the blood, leading to changes in the nail bed and digit shape. Given the patient's long smoking history, chronic hypoxemia is the most likely explanation for this finding.

A. Re-assess in 15 minutes B. Ask the patient to open eyes on command C. Document the findings D. Notify the physician

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Re-assess in 15 minutes: While regular assessments are important in a neurological evaluation, if the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 15, indicating the patient is fully alert and oriented, there may not be an immediate need to re-assess so soon unless the patient's condition changes.

B) Ask the patient to open eyes on command: If the GCS score is already determined to be 15, this indicates that the patient is responsive and capable of opening their eyes spontaneously. Asking the patient to open their eyes is unnecessary in this context since the score already reflects full responsiveness.

C) Document the findings: Documenting the GCS score of 15 is crucial as it establishes a baseline for the patient’s neurological status. This documentation is essential for ongoing assessments and monitoring, providing a record of the patient’s condition at this moment.

D) Notify the physician: Notifying the physician is not required for a GCS score of 15, as this score indicates a normal level of consciousness. Communication with the physician would be warranted only if there were changes in the patient's condition or a lower GCS score observed.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

What is the main purpose of the health assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is performing an integumentary system assessment of a patient who has smoked for the last 40 years. The patient has clubbing of the fingernails. What does this finding indicate to the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse performs a neurological assessment and determines the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 15. What will the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A resident in an assisted-living facility is restless most nights and sits in the lounge area reading. When questioned, the resident reports suffering from insomnia. What should the nurse expect as an outcome if the resident continues with this pattern of sleep?

The client's respiratory rate is 9 breaths per minute, and they deny feeling short of breath. The nurse will document this finding as:

The nurse is performing a nutritional assessment. Which of the following would be considered objective data?

How can a nurse best assess a patient's dietary habits effect on their overall health?

The nurse is caring for a client who has pain due to sickle cell anemia. The patient rates the pain as a 7 out of 10 (O is no pain and 10 is the worst pain possible). The client is moving around easily and smiling. She is asking for pain medication. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

When assessing the elderly patient, the nurse observes that the anterior to posterior width is the same as the transverse width of the chest. When documenting her findings, she describes this as:

The nurse is using inspection to assess the breasts of a female client. Which finding should the nurse anticipate documenting?

The nurse assessing a 90-year-old patient notes that his skin is thin and turgor is non-elastic. The patient states that he always seems to be cold. What does the nurse know about these assessment findings?