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Which patient scenario of a surgical patient in pain is most indicative of critical thinking?

Explaining to the patient that self-reporting of severe pain is not consistent with the minor procedure that was performed.

Asking the patient what pain-relief methods, pharmacological and nonpharmacological approach have worked best in the past?

Administering pain-relief medication according to what was given last shift.

Offering pain-relief medications based on the providers orders.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Remove all metal necklaces. Metal can obscure the x-ray image, so all metal jewelry, piercings, and clothing with metal components should be removed.

B. Take several shallow breaths during the procedure. Patients should take a deep breath and hold it during the x-ray to expand the lungs fully for clearer imaging.

C. Do not eat or drink anything the morning of the test. Fasting is not needed for a chest x-ray; it is typically required for procedures like CT scans with contrast or abdominal ultrasounds.

D. Expect minor discomfort after the procedure. A chest x-ray is non-invasive and painless. There is no expected discomfort afterward.

A. "Your disease often makes patients lose mental status." B. "Your disease will be helped if you pursed-lip breathe." C. "Your disease affects both your lungs and your heart, and not enough blood is being pumped." D. "Your disease doesn't send enough oxygen to your fingertips."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Your disease often makes patients lose mental status." While severe hypoxia can cause confusion, this response does not address the reason for clubbing and lacks therapeutic communication.

B. "Your disease will be helped if you pursed-lip breathe." Pursed-lip breathing helps with air trapping and exhalation in COPD, but it does not explain clubbing of the fingers.

C. "Your disease affects both your lungs and your heart, and not enough blood is being pumped." COPD primarily affects oxygen exchange in the lungs, not necessarily blood pumping from the heart. Clubbing is due to chronic hypoxia, not poor cardiac output.

D. "Your disease doesn't send enough oxygen to your fingertips." Chronic hypoxia in COPD leads to increased capillary growth and tissue changes, resulting in clubbing of the fingers. This response is accurate and appropriately explains the cause.

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Which patient scenario of a surgical patient in pain is most indicative of critical thinking?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

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Correct Answer is D

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