Which term will the nurse use to document the patient’s age-related hearing loss?

Choice A reason: This is not the most appropriate question for the nurse to use to start the health history assessment because it is not relevant, open-ended, or comprehensive. The nurse should not ask questions that are not related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, but rather focus on the patient's chief complaint, history of present illness, and past medical history.

Choice B reason: This is the most appropriate question for the nurse to use to start the health history assessment because it is relevant, open-ended, and comprehensive. The nurse should ask questions that are related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, and that elicit more information from the patient. This question allows the patient to describe the reason for seeking health care, the onset, duration, and severity of their symptoms, and any other relevant information.

Choice C reason: This is not the most appropriate question for the nurse to use to start the health history assessment because it is not relevant, open-ended, or comprehensive. The nurse should not ask questions that are not related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, but rather focus on the patient's chief complaint, history of present illness, and past medical history.

Choice D reason: This is not the most appropriate question for the nurse to use to start the health history assessment because it is not relevant, open-ended, or comprehensive. The nurse should not ask questions that are not related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, but rather focus on the patient's chief complaint, history of present illness, and past medical history.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because gently trimming the patient’s toenails after soaking the feet in warm soapy water is not the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. Trimming the toenails can be risky for the diabetic patient, as it can cause bleeding, infection, or injury to the nail bed or surrounding skin. The nurse should avoid cutting the toenails of the diabetic patient, unless instructed by a podiatrist.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because using a pumice stone to smooth roughened areas of skin on the patient’s feet is not the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. A pumice stone is a porous rock that can be used to exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells. However, it can also damage the skin and cause abrasions, irritation, or infection. The nurse should be careful when using a pumice stone on the diabetic patient, and avoid rubbing too hard or too often.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because liberally applying lotion to the patient's feet especially between the toes is not the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. Applying lotion to the feet can help to moisturize and soften the skin, but it can also create a moist environment that can promote fungal growth and infection. The nurse should apply lotion sparingly to the feet of the diabetic patient, and avoid applying it between the toes.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because obtaining a consultation for a podiatrist to assess the feet and provide nail care is the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. A podiatrist is a specialist who can diagnose and treat foot problems, such as nail disorders, skin conditions, or infections. The podiatrist can safely and effectively trim the toenails of the diabetic patient, and provide education and advice on foot care and prevention of complications. The nurse should refer the diabetic patient to a podiatrist at least once a year, or more often if needed.