The clinical nurse is precepting a group of students, and one student questions the nurse, "What is the primary purpose of health assessment?" What is the most appropriate response by the clinical nurse?

To gather information about the health status of the client.

To help the physician diagnose illness without further testing.

To decide on the best way to manage a client's illness based on the nurse's own views and beliefs.

To make judgments about the client's lifestyle and behaviors that contribute to the client's illness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:
The primary purpose of health assessment is to collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify the patient’s health status and needs, as well as to develop and implement appropriate nursing interventions to address these needs. It is a systematic process that is fundamental in promoting the health and well-being of patients. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's physical, psychological, and social health. Gathering this information is crucial for creating a care plan that addresses the individual needs of the client.
Choice B reason:
While health assessments can aid physicians in diagnosing illness, they are not solely for the purpose of diagnosis without further testing. Health assessments may indicate the need for additional tests to confirm a diagnosis. The nurse's role includes supporting the diagnostic process, but it is not the primary purpose of health assessment.
Choice C reason:
Health assessments are not meant to be subjective or based on the nurse's personal views and beliefs. The assessments are conducted to objectively determine the health status of a client, which then informs evidence-based practice and care planning. Personal biases should not influence the management of a client's illness.
Choice D reason:
Making judgments about a client's lifestyle and behaviors is not the primary purpose of health assessment. While lifestyle and behaviors may be assessed as part of understanding the client's overall health status, the goal is not to judge but to understand how these factors may impact the client's health and to provide education and support for healthy changes if needed.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Discussing reactions to allergens typically focuses on environmental or food triggers that may cause allergic reactions. While it's important to understand a client's allergies, this topic is not closely related to alcohol use, which has different implications for health and lifestyle choices.
Choice B reason:
Asking about alcohol use naturally follows the discussion about cigarette smoking because both involve substance use and have potential health risks. It allows the nurse to transition smoothly from one lifestyle factor to another, which can impact the client's overall health. This approach also helps in creating a comprehensive picture of the client's habits that may contribute to or affect their current health status.
Choice C reason:
Reviewing current medications is an essential part of the health history, as it can reveal potential interactions with alcohol. However, it might be more appropriate to ask about alcohol use after discussing other lifestyle habits such as smoking, as they are more directly related. Once the client's substance use habits are established, the nurse can then discuss how these might interact with prescribed medications.
Choice D reason:
Asking about previous surgeries is important for understanding a client's medical history, but it is not directly related to the client's current lifestyle habits like alcohol use. Therefore, it would be more natural to ask about alcohol use in the context of other substance use discussions rather than after surgical history.

A. The immunization schedule recommended for the client's age. B. The need for regular mammogram screening to identify breast cancer lesions. C. The need for consistent use of seat belts when in a motor vehicle. D. The impact of annual vision examinations on personal health and safety.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Immunization schedules are typically considered a part of primary prevention. They are intended to prevent diseases before they occur by using vaccines to provide immunity against infections.

Choice b reason:
Regular mammogram screenings are a form of secondary prevention. They are used to detect breast cancer lesions early before symptoms appear, which can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Choice c reason:
The consistent use of seat belts is a primary prevention strategy. It is a proactive measure to prevent injuries in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

Choice d reason:
Annual vision examinations can be considered part of secondary prevention if they are used to detect vision problems or eye diseases in their early stages. However, they can also be seen as primary prevention because they help maintain and protect eye health before issues arise.

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The clinical nurse is precepting a group of students, and one student questions the nurse, "What is the primary purpose of health assessment?" What is the most appropriate response by the clinical nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A Drug Rehabilitation nurse is conducting the health history. When would be the most natural time to ask the client about alcohol use?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While conducting the health assessment, the nurse instructs the client about secondary prevention activities. What information did the nurse most likely provide to this client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse working in the eye doctor's office is completing an assessment on an elderly client. Which of the following would a nurse expect to assess in a client with esotropia?

A nurse educator is presenting at a continuing education seminar for nurses. As part of his presentation, he is emphasizing the prevention of skin breakdown in immobile patients who have suffered from a stroke. The level of prevention being discussed by the nurse educator is:

During the physical examination of the mouth, the nurse identifies vesicular eruptions along the client's lips and surrounding skin. Which problem should the nurse document?

What eye function is the nurse preparing to assess when the client is asked to stand 20 feet from a specific chart that is mounted on the examination room wall?

The student nurse is reviewing different types of health history. Which client situation would require an Emergency health history?

What cranial nerve is responsible for the taste sensation of the posterior third of the tongue?

The nurse working in an outpatient GI clinic is conducting a physical examination of the abdomen. What is the nurse's best action to ensure she can hear bowel sounds?

The nurse knows the importance of assessing vital signs is to: