health assessment test bank jarvis

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer nitroglycerin. In acute pancreatitis, pancreatic inflammation can lead to pancreatic ischemia due to decreased blood flow. Nitroglycerin helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the pancreas, reducing ischemia and potentially preventing further damage. Pain relief (choice A) may be necessary but does not address the underlying issue of ischemia. Administering fluids (choices B and C) is important but not the most critical intervention in this case. Administering nitroglycerin is the most crucial because it targets the root cause of pancreatic ischemia in acute pancreatitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diagnostic reasoning. When formulating diagnostic statements, nurses use diagnostic reasoning to analyze data, identify patterns, and make accurate clinical judgments. This process involves critical thinking and synthesizing information to reach a conclusion. Physical assessment skills (C) are important in data collection but not the primary focus in formulating diagnostic statements. Rationale (A) refers to providing reasons or justifications and is not directly related to the diagnostic process. American Nurses Association recommendations (B) may guide nursing practice but are not specifically used in formulating diagnostic statements.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse needs more information to assess the situation effectively. By asking the patient more about the effects of the herbs, the nurse can gather crucial details about the patient's condition and the potential impact of the herbs on her health. This will help the nurse make an informed decision on the appropriate course of action. Choice A is incorrect because jumping to conclusions without gathering more information can be detrimental to the patient's care. Choice C is incorrect as sending the herbs for analysis may not provide immediate insights into the patient's condition. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on directly obtaining information from the patient rather than involving a third party.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immobilize the spine. This is the first priority because it helps prevent further injury to the spinal cord. By immobilizing the spine, the nurse ensures that any movement doesn't worsen the existing injury. Placing the client in a supine position (B) can be done after immobilization. Administering analgesics (C) should not be done before assessing the extent of the injury. Assessing the airway (D) is important but should come after immobilizing the spine to prevent any unnecessary movement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased white blood cell count. When a client has an infection, the body's immune response triggers an increase in white blood cells to help fight off the infection. Neutrophils and band cells (choice B) may also increase during infection, but a general increase in white blood cells is a more reliable indicator. ESR (choice C) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and may be elevated in various conditions, not just infection. LDH (choice D) is an enzyme found in many tissues and can be elevated in various conditions, not specifically infection. Therefore, an increased white blood cell count is the most indicative of infection in a client with a fever.