Which nursing diagnosis is the highest priority for a patient with pneumonia?
Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar inflammation and infection.
Pruritus related to side effects of prescribed medications.
Knowledge deficit related to pneumonia risk factors.
Activity intolerance related to fatigue and shortness of breath.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Impaired gas exchange directly affects the patient's oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination, which are fundamental physiological needs. Alveolar inflammation and infection in pneumonia disrupt the normal diffusion of gases in the lungs, potentially leading to hypoxemia and hypercapnia, posing an immediate threat to life if not addressed promptly. Normal partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) is 80-100 mmHg, and normal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) is 35-45 mmHg.
Choice B rationale
Pruritus, or itching, while uncomfortable, is a symptom related to medication side effects and does not directly compromise vital physiological functions like gas exchange. Addressing the underlying cause and providing symptomatic relief are important but are a lower priority than ensuring adequate oxygenation.
Choice C rationale
Knowledge deficit regarding risk factors for pneumonia is important for long-term health management and prevention of future episodes. However, in the acute phase of pneumonia, the immediate physiological compromise of impaired gas exchange takes precedence over addressing knowledge gaps.
Choice D rationale
Activity intolerance due to fatigue and shortness of breath is a consequence of the physiological changes associated with pneumonia, primarily the impaired gas exchange. While it affects the patient's quality of life, it is a manifestation of the primary problem rather than the most immediate threat to physiological stability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Incorrect organization of health assessment findings relates to how the nurse collects and structures patient data, which may impact the accuracy of diagnosis and care planning but is less likely to be the primary cause of frustration with a patient's cultural health practices.
Choice B rationale
While a patient's insistence on alternative remedies and spiritual practices might indicate coping mechanisms, it doesn't directly explain the nurse's frustration. The frustration likely stems from a conflict in beliefs or approaches to healthcare rather than the patient's ability to cope.
Choice C rationale
Cultural differences encompass the values, beliefs, and practices that influence a person's perception of health, illness, and healthcare. A patient's preference for herbal remedies, prayer, and a spiritual healer over conventional medical treatment reflects cultural health-related practices that may differ significantly from the nurse's professional training and beliefs, potentially leading to frustration.
Choice D rationale
Delay in psychosocial development refers to a lag in achieving expected developmental milestones related to social and emotional functioning. While it can influence a patient's health behaviors, it is less directly related to the nurse's frustration with culturally based healthcare choices. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While electronic medical records (EMRs) improve legibility by using standardized digital text, they do not entirely eliminate the need to interpret physician notes or potential data entry errors. Clinicians still input information, and nuances in terminology or abbreviations can require careful review. EMRs primarily address the issue of illegible handwriting associated with paper-based records.
Choice B rationale
Electronic medical record systems streamline documentation processes by offering templates, drop-down menus, and the ability to copy forward information. This reduces the need for repetitive manual charting, freeing up nurses' time for direct patient care and other essential tasks. Efficient data entry and retrieval contribute significantly to time savings in documentation.
Choice C rationale
Password management is a security feature of computer systems, including EMRs, and often requires periodic changes to protect patient data. Implementing a new EMR system does not typically eliminate the need for password changes; in fact, it might introduce new password protocols. Security protocols necessitate regular password updates to maintain data integrity and confidentiality.
Choice D rationale
Accessing a family member's medical record violates patient privacy and confidentiality regulations, such as HIPAA. Nurses should only access records of patients for whom they are directly providing care. Viewing a son's medical record without a professional need is an ethical and legal breach of patient confidentiality.
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