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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice a reason:
The oral mucosa is the most reliable area to evaluate for central cyanosis in a client with asthma. Central cyanosis reflects a decrease in arterial oxygenation and is best assessed where the blood flow is high and the skin is thin, which is the case with the oral mucosa. It is less likely to be affected by peripheral factors such as temperature and is therefore a more accurate indicator of oxygen saturation in the central circulation.

Choice b reason:
While ear lobes can show signs of cyanosis, they are not the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they are more prone to peripheral cyanosis. Peripheral cyanosis can occur in the ear lobes due to local vasoconstriction or decreased blood flow, which may not reflect central oxygenation levels.

Choice c reason:
The soles of the feet are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis, especially in a client with asthma. The skin on the soles is thicker and has less blood flow compared to the oral mucosa, making it a poor site for assessing central cyanosis. Additionally, the soles can be affected by peripheral factors like pressure and temperature.

Choice d reason:
Conjunctivae are not the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis. While they can show signs of cyanosis, the assessment can be affected by environmental factors and the presence of blood vessels in the conjunctiva that may not accurately reflect central oxygenation levels.

A. Palpitations B. Diaphoresis C. Weight gain D. Exophthalmos

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Palpitations are typically associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. They occur due to an excess of thyroid hormones, which can overstimulate the heart, leading to increased heart rate and palpitations. In hypothyroidism, the heart rate is usually slower, and palpitations are less common.

Choice B Reason:
Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is also more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the metabolism is slowed down, which reduces the tendency for increased sweating. Patients with hypothyroidism may actually have less sweating than normal.

Choice C Reason:
Weight gain is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Due to the decreased metabolic rate caused by low levels of thyroid hormones, the body burns fewer calories, which can lead to weight gain. This is one of the hallmark signs of hypothyroidism and is often one of the first symptoms patients notice.

Choice D Reason:
Exophthalmos, the protrusion of the eyes, is a symptom associated with Graves' disease, a form of hyperthyroidism. It is not a symptom of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, any eye changes are usually related to puffiness or edema around the eyes, not the bulging of the eyes themselves.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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 nurse is assessing a client who has asthma. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A 17-year-old male patient presents to the Emergency Department (ED) after a skydiving accident and tells the nurse that he is very anxious, is nauseated, and feels hot. These types of data would be:

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A client has arrived at the clinic for a routine physical examination. Prior to assessing the client's blood pressure, what should the nurse do?

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?

Which of the following should the nurse do before conducting a physical examination of a client? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is assessing a 64-year-old African-American client who has jaundice. The patient has a past medical history of alcoholism and liver cirrhosis. Which of the following areas is the most reliable for the nurse to inspect for jaundice?

The nurse is planning to instruct a group of adolescents on ways to prevent traumatic brain injuries. What should be included in these instructions?

During a health history assessment, where is the symptoms description/narrative typically documented?