Nursing Process Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D - Shallow breathing and increasing lethargy. This could indicate a potential complication such as respiratory distress or postoperative infection. Shallow breathing may suggest respiratory compromise, while increasing lethargy could be a sign of systemic infection or inadequate oxygenation. A: Abdominal pain is common postoperatively and can be managed with pain medication. B: Serous drainage from the incision is normal and expected in the early postoperative period. C: Hypoactive bowel sounds are common after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and manipulation of the bowel; it typically resolves as the patient recovers. In summary, the other options are common postoperative findings, while shallow breathing and increasing lethargy are concerning signs that require immediate attention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer the acetaminophen. The rationale is as follows: 1. The patient has a standing order for acetaminjson for headache relief. 2. The nurse has assessed that the patient needs headache relief and has not had the medication in the past 4 hours. 3. Administering the acetaminophen aligns with the prescribed treatment plan and the patient's needs. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because obtaining a verbal order is not necessary when there is a standing order. - Option C is incorrect as nursing assistive personnel should not administer medications without direct supervision. - Option D is incorrect as pain assessment should precede medication administration to ensure appropriateness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Subjective data refers to information provided by the client based on their feelings, perceptions, or beliefs. Nausea is a symptom that the client experiences and reports subjectively. The client feels nauseous, which is not something directly measurable like blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate. Therefore, nausea is the correct choice for subjective data. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are all objective data that can be measured and observed. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are all objective data that can be measured and observed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable facts obtained through physical examination or diagnostic tests. In this case, "Respirations 16" is a quantifiable and observable measurement, making it objective data. It is not influenced by personal interpretation or feelings. The other choices, such as "States 'doesn't feel good'", "Reports a headache", and "Nauseated" are subjective data because they are based on the patient's feelings or experiences, which can vary depending on individual perception and interpretation, making them less reliable for making clinical decisions. By focusing on objective data like "Respirations 16", the nurse can provide a more accurate assessment of the patient's condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar-capillary membrane changes. This nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient with pneumonia and lower lobe infiltrates because pneumonia causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange. The nurse correctly identified the underlying respiratory issue. A: Ineffective breathing pattern related to pneumonia is incorrect as it focuses on the pattern of breathing rather than the physiological problem causing the breathing difficulty. B: Risk for infection related to chest x-ray procedure is incorrect as the patient already has a diagnosis of pneumonia, so the focus should be on managing the existing condition. C: Risk for deficient fluid volume related to dehydration is incorrect as there is no indication of dehydration in the question stem. In summary, the nurse's diagnosis of Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar-capillary membrane changes is the most appropriate as it addresses the respiratory issue caused by pneumonia and lower lobe infiltrates.