The nurse is caring for a patient who has experienced a laparoscopic appendectomy. For which type of healing will the nurse focus the care plan?

A. AV Node: The AV node is responsible for delaying electrical impulses before they pass to the ventricles, but it does not generate the P wave. It affects the PR interval rather than the P wave itself.

B. SA Node: The SA (sinoatrial) node initiates electrical impulses and is responsible for atrial depolarization, which produces the P wave on an ECG. This makes it the correct answer.

C. Purkinje Fibers: The Purkinje fibers play a role in ventricular contraction (QRS complex), not in the formation of the P wave.

D. Bundle of HIS: The Bundle of HIS transmits impulses to the ventricles and is involved in ventricular depolarization, not atrial activity. It is not responsible for the P wave.

A. Explaining to the patient that self-reporting of severe pain is not consistent with the minor procedure that was performed. Pain is subjective and should always be believed and assessed rather than dismissed based on procedure type. This does not demonstrate critical thinking.

B. Asking the patient what pain-relief methods, pharmacological and nonpharmacological, have worked best in the past. This approach assesses the patient’s individual experience and applies personalized care, which is a hallmark of critical thinking.

C. Administering pain-relief medication according to what was given last shift. Pain levels fluctuate, and medication effectiveness must be reassessed each time. Simply repeating the previous shift’s orders does not involve critical thinking.

D. Offering pain-relief medications based on the provider’s orders. While following orders is necessary, critical thinking involves assessing the patient’s pain level and determining the most appropriate intervention rather than blindly administering medication.