Which of the following is an unexpected respiratory system assessment?

Choice A reason: Assessing pupils tests cranial nerves II (optic) and III (oculomotor), evaluating visual acuity and pupillary response, not cranial nerve I (olfactory), which governs smell. Pupil assessment is irrelevant to olfactory function, making this choice incorrect for testing the sense of smell.

Choice B reason: Cranial nerve I, the olfactory nerve, is responsible for the sense of smell. Instructing the client to identify a scent, such as coffee or vanilla, directly tests this nerve’s function. This is a standard neurological assessment method to evaluate olfactory integrity, making it the correct choice.

Choice C reason: Performing facial expressions tests cranial nerve VII (facial), which controls facial muscle movement. This is unrelated to cranial nerve I, which solely mediates olfaction. Facial expression assessment cannot evaluate smell, rendering this choice inappropriate for the specified cranial nerve test.

Choice D reason: Reading the Snellen chart tests cranial nerve II (optic) for visual acuity, not cranial nerve I, which is dedicated to smell perception. Visual testing does not assess olfactory function, making this choice incorrect for evaluating the olfactory nerve’s sensory capabilities.

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.