A nurse assesses a patient who reports chest pain radiating down their arm. The nurse notes the patient is sweating and pale, BP 90/50 mmHg, pulse 120bpm, irregular. When developing the plan of care, what type of nursing diagnosis should the nurse use?
Risk
Actual
Syndrome
Wellness
The Correct Answer is B
A. A risk diagnosis applies when a problem has not yet occurred but is likely. This patient is already experiencing chest pain and hemodynamic instability, requiring an actual diagnosis.
B. The patient has current symptoms of chest pain, sweating, pallor, hypotension, and an irregular pulse, indicating a medical condition (possibly myocardial infarction). This justifies an actual diagnosis.
C. Syndrome diagnoses involve a cluster of related diagnoses, such as frail elderly syndrome. This patient’s case does not meet that definition.
D. Wellness diagnoses focus on improving health, not addressing an active medical crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Skin feeling warm to the touch. This is incorrect because warmth may indicate inflammation, infection, or increased blood flow, but it does not necessarily mean the skin’s integrity is impaired. Skin integrity refers to the structural intactness of the skin.
B. Presence of a wound with partial-thickness skin loss. This is correct because partial-thickness skin loss indicates that the protective barrier of the skin has been compromised. This is a clear sign of impaired skin integrity, which requires appropriate assessment and intervention to promote healing and prevent infection.
C. Dry skin with no visible lesions. This is incorrect because while dry skin may be at risk for breakdown, it does not indicate that the skin is currently impaired. Intact dry skin still maintains its structural integrity.
D. Slight redness of the skin after applying pressure. This is incorrect because transient redness that disappears after pressure relief is not necessarily a sign of skin breakdown. However, if redness persists (non-blanchable erythema), it may indicate a stage 1 pressure injury, which would then suggest potential skin integrity impairment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Before assisting a patient, especially one with mobility concerns, the nurse must verify provider orders to determine any restrictions or special considerations.
B. Administering pain medication before knowing activity restrictions could lead to falls or complications.
C. While assistance may be needed, the first priority is to check the patient's activity orders to determine the safest way to proceed.
D. Providing a walker might help, but the nurse must first confirm whether assistive devices are appropriate for the patient.
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