The nurse preceptor is instructing the new nurse on appropriate communication techniques. The new nurse indicates a need for further teaching on using assertive communication, if she does which of the following when communicating with patients? Select one answer

Choice A reason: Series of assessments that isolate a client’s health problem is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not only a series of assessments, but also a series of actions that include planning, implementing, and evaluating the nursing care. The nursing process does not isolate a client’s health problem, but rather identifies and addresses the client’s holistic needs and responses to health and illness. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Framework for the organization of individualized nursing care is the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is a framework that guides the nurse’s decision making and actions in providing individualized nursing care to each client. It involves five steps: assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It is based on scientific principles, ethical standards, and evidence-based practice. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Preset formula for the design of nursing care is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not a preset formula, but rather a dynamic and flexible method that adapts to the changing needs and situations of each client. It requires critical thinking, creativity, and clinical judgment from the nurse. It also involves collaboration and communication with the client and other members of the health care team. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Method to assure that the physician’s orders are carried out correctly is not the best definition of the nursing process. The nursing process is not a method to assure that the physician’s orders are carried out correctly, but rather a method to provide independent and autonomous nursing care that complements or supplements the medical care. The nursing process reflects the nurse’s scope of practice, responsibility, and accountability for the client’s well-being. It also empowers the client to participate in their own care and achieve their health goals. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a framework for prioritizing human needs, but it is not an organized approach for performing a physical examination. A physical examination should be systematic and comprehensive, not based on subjective preferences or assumptions. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: A head-to-toe assessment is an organized approach for performing a physical examination that covers all the major body systems and regions. It allows the nurse to identify any abnormalities or changes in the client’s health status and to document the findings in a consistent manner. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Subjective data collection is the process of obtaining information from the client about their symptoms, feelings, beliefs, and preferences. It is an important part of the nursing assessment, but it is not an organized approach for performing a physical examination. A physical examination requires objective data collection, which involves observing, measuring, and testing the client’s physical signs. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Review of systems is an organized approach for performing a physical examination that focuses on each body system separately and asks specific questions related to its function and problems. It helps the nurse to elicit relevant information from the client and to detect any abnormalities or deviations from normal. Therefore, this choice is correct.