The nurse is having difficulty hearing his patient’s apical pulse with his stethoscope. Which action will help the nurse hear the heartbeat more clearly?

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because assessment is the step of the nursing process that involves collecting and organizing data about the patient's health status and needs. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is performing an assessment by gathering relevant information from the patient and other sources.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because implementation is the step of the nursing process that involves carrying out the planned nursing interventions to achieve the patient's goals and outcomes. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is not performing an implementation by executing any actions or treatments for the patient.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because diagnosis is the step of the nursing process that involves analyzing and interpreting the data to identify the patient's actual or potential health problems. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is not performing a diagnosis by making any judgments or conclusions about the patient's condition.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because evaluation is the step of the nursing process that involves measuring and comparing the patient's progress and outcomes with the expected goals and outcomes. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is not performing an evaluation by assessing any changes or improvements in the patient's status.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because health-seeking behaviors related to expressed desire for better sleep is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who is starting CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. Health-seeking behaviors are actions that a person takes to improve their health and well-being. However, this is not the most urgent or life-threatening problem for the patient, as it does not pose an immediate risk of harm or injury.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because impaired bed mobility related to presence of CPAP mask on face is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who is starting CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. Impaired bed mobility is the limitation of the patient's ability to move in bed. However, this is not the most urgent or life-threatening problem for the patient, as it does not cause an immediate risk of harm or injury.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because risk for impaired skin integrity related to tight-fitting mask on face is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who is starting CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. Risk for impaired skin integrity is the potential for the patient's skin to be damaged or broken. However, this is not the most urgent or life-threatening problem for the patient, as it does not cause an immediate risk of harm or injury.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because risk for powerlessness related to inability to breathe regularly during sleep is the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who is starting CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. Risk for powerlessness is the potential for the patient to feel a loss of control or self-efficacy. This is the most urgent and life-threatening problem for the patient, as it can result in psychological distress, anxiety, depression, or hopelessness.