The nurse is obtaining a health history for a client prior to a scheduled cholecystectomy. While interviewing the client, which assessment technique should the nurse use when asking about the client's use of illegal drugs and alcohol?

Choice A Reason:
Performing passive range of motion and compare the findings is inappropriate. While assessing passive range of motion can provide information about joint mobility and flexibility, it may not directly address the asymmetry observed in the legs. Range of motion assessment is more relevant for evaluating joint function and flexibility rather than leg length asymmetry.
Choice B Reason:
Comparing measured circumferences of each extremity joint is inappropriate. Measuring circumferences of extremity joints may help identify differences in muscle mass or swelling, but it may not directly address the asymmetrical leg length observed. Circumference measurements are more relevant for assessing muscle bulk or detecting signs of edema rather than leg length asymmetry.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing client to walk across the room and observe the gait is inappropriate. Observing the client's gait can provide valuable information about their walking pattern and any abnormalities in movement. While an abnormal gait may be associated with leg length asymmetry, directly measuring leg length would provide more precise data for evaluation.
Choice D Reason:
Measuring the length of each leg and document the findings is appropriate. Measuring the length of each leg can help identify any significant differences in leg length, which could be contributing to the asymmetry observed. Leg length discrepancy can result from various musculoskeletal conditions such as scoliosis, hip dysplasia, or unequal growth rates. Documenting the findings allows for accurate tracking of changes over time and provides important information for healthcare providers to determine appropriate interventions, such as orthotic devices or physical therapy.

Choice A Reason:
An adult male presents with fears that he has "lung cancer." Is appropriate. This choice accurately captures the client's expressed fear of having lung cancer. However, it lacks specificity regarding the duration of symptoms (six weeks) and the nature of the symptom (dry cough). Therefore, while it acknowledges the client's concern, it does not provide comprehensive documentation of the client's reported symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
This option accurately captures the client's primary concern, which is the persistent dry cough lasting for six weeks. It avoids assuming a diagnosis (such as lung cancer) and instead focuses on the client's reported symptom. This type of documentation allows for an objective record of the client's statement while avoiding speculation about specific diagnoses. It also provides important information that can guide further assessment and diagnostic evaluation by healthcare providers.
Choice C Reason:
This option documents the client's expressed concern about having symptoms consistent with lung cancer for the past six weeks. While it accurately reflects the client's fear, it may lead to premature assumptions about the diagnosis before a thorough assessment and diagnostic workup are conducted. It's important for documentation to focus on the client's reported symptoms rather than presumptive diagnoses to maintain objectivity and guide appropriate evaluation and management..
Choice D Reason:
Presents with a hacking non-productive cough of 6 weeks duration. This choice accurately describes the client's reported symptom of a "hacking non-productive cough" and includes the duration of the symptom (six weeks). However, it does not explicitly mention the client's expressed fear of having lung cancer, which is an important aspect of the client's presentation that should be documented. Additionally, the term "hacking" may not fully capture the severity or character of the client's reported cough, as the client described it as "body-wracking." Therefore, while it provides some relevant information, it does not fully capture the client's concerns and presentation.