Nursing Process Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maturates T cells. The thymus gland is crucial for the maturation of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the adaptive immune response. T cells mature in the thymus through a process of selection and education, where they learn to distinguish self from non-self antigens. This process is essential for the development of a functional immune system. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the thymus gland does not play a role in the maturation of B cells, platelets, or red blood cells, respectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 5 years. In ALS, 50% of patients have a life expectancy of around 3-5 years from the time of diagnosis. This is due to the progressive nature of the disease, leading to rapid deterioration of motor neurons and muscle function. Choice A (3 years) is too specific and may not apply to exactly 50% of patients. Choice B (10 years) and D (20 years) are too optimistic and do not align with the typical prognosis of ALS, where the majority of patients have a shorter life expectancy. Therefore, based on the average survival rates and disease progression, choice C is the most accurate representation of the normal life expectancy for 50% of ALS patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct next step after identifying nursing diagnoses is planning. Planning involves setting goals and creating a plan of care to address the patient's needs based on the identified nursing diagnoses. This step helps in determining interventions and outcomes for the patient. Assessment has already been completed, and diagnosis is the step where nursing diagnoses are identified. Implementation comes after planning, where the nurse carries out the planned interventions. Therefore, the logical next step in the nursing process after identifying nursing diagnoses is planning.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because developing a formal nursing diagnosis helps nurses focus on their scope of practice, which includes identifying and addressing the patient's nursing care needs. By formulating a clear nursing diagnosis, nurses can prioritize interventions that are within their domain of expertise. This ensures efficient and effective patient care delivery. A: Incorrect. Developing a nursing diagnosis is not about creating a language exclusive to nurses; it is about identifying patient care needs. B: Incorrect. While nursing diagnoses do delineate the nurse's role, the primary purpose is not to distinguish it from the physician's role. C: Incorrect. Nursing diagnoses are based on evidence and critical thinking, not solely on intuition or others' judgments.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because focusing on the patient's presenting situation is the first step in the problem-oriented approach. This allows the nurse to gather relevant data related to the current health issue, which is crucial for identifying the problem and formulating a care plan. Option A is incorrect as chronological order may not prioritize the most critical data. Option C is incorrect as interpretations come after data collection. Option D is incorrect as observation typically follows data collection and analysis. Focusing on the patient's presenting situation ensures efficient and effective data collection for problem-solving.