Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient with xerostomia?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Turning on the television to drown out noise from other patients can worsen the sensory overload by adding more auditory stimulation. The patient may prefer a quiet and calm environment.

Choice B reason: This is correct. Instituting a unit-wide quiet time at 10:00 p.m. each night can benefit the patient by reducing the noise level and promoting rest and relaxation. The patient may sleep better and feel less agitated.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Reducing the number of visitors to the patient’s room can benefit the patient by minimizing the social and emotional demands and allowing the patient to have some privacy and personal space. The patient may feel less overwhelmed and more comfortable.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Providing a dedicated period of rest time each afternoon can benefit the patient by giving the patient a break from the sensory input and activities of the day. The patient may use this time to meditate, listen to soothing music, or do other calming activities.

Choice E reason: This is correct. Coordinating therapies and tests with other departments and providers can benefit the patient by avoiding unnecessary duplication or interruption of services and ensuring a smooth and consistent care plan. The patient may feel less stressed and more confident.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse requests that the primary health care provider examines the patient is not the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The nurse's request is part of the “R”, which stands for recommendation, which is the action that the nurse suggests or requests.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because the patient has a fractured right leg with a cast that was applied 2 days ago is the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The patient's fracture and cast are part of the patient's background that the nurse should share with the primary health care provider.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient’s toes are cool and pale and the patient reports that the foot feels numb is not the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The patient's toes and foot are part of the patient's current condition that the nurse should report for the “S”, which stands for situation, which is the reason for the communication and the patient's status.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient is reporting severe pain 1 hour after pain medication was given is not the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The patient's pain and medication are part of the patient's current condition that the nurse should report for the “S”, which stands for situation, which is the reason for the communication and the patient's status.