A community health nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about descriptive analytics. The nurse recognizes that which of the following best describes the purpose of descriptive analytics in nursing?
To predict future client’s outcomes based on historical data.
To develop new treatment protocols based on client data.
To summarize and interpret historical client data to identify trends and patterns.
To provide real-time monitoring of client’s vital signs.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Predicting future client outcomes based on historical data is the purpose of predictive analytics, not descriptive analytics. Predictive analytics uses statistical models and algorithms to forecast future events or behaviors. Descriptive analytics, on the other hand, focuses on summarizing and interpreting past data.
Choice B reason:
Developing new treatment protocols based on client data is more aligned with prescriptive analytics, which provides recommendations for actions based on data analysis. Descriptive analytics does not develop new protocols but rather helps in understanding and summarizing existing data.
Choice C reason:
Descriptive analytics involves summarizing and interpreting historical client data to identify trends and patterns. This type of analytics helps healthcare providers understand what has happened in the past and can inform decision-making by highlighting key insights and trends. It is a foundational step in data analysis that supports further predictive and prescriptive analytics.
Choice D reason:
Providing real-time monitoring of client’s vital signs is associated with real-time analytics or monitoring systems, not descriptive analytics. Descriptive analytics focuses on analyzing historical data rather than real-time data.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A gradual onset of headache is more characteristic of other types of headaches or conditions, such as tension headaches or migraines. Hemorrhagic strokes, particularly those caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, typically present with a sudden and severe headache, often described as the “worst headache of my life.” This sudden onset is due to the rapid accumulation of blood in the brain, which increases intracranial pressure and causes immediate symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Changes in consciousness are a common manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke. The sudden bleeding into the brain can disrupt normal brain function, leading to symptoms such as confusion, lethargy, or loss of consciousness. These changes occur rapidly and are a key indicator of a serious neurological event. The nurse should be vigilant for any alterations in the client’s level of consciousness, as this can signify worsening of the condition and the need for immediate medical intervention.
Choice C reason:
A gradual onset of several hours is not typical for hemorrhagic strokes. These strokes usually present with sudden and severe symptoms due to the abrupt rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. The rapid increase in intracranial pressure from the bleeding causes immediate and severe symptoms, rather than a slow progression over hours.
Choice D reason:
A history of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hour is more indicative of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. TIAs are temporary and resolve within a short period without causing permanent damage. In contrast, a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm results in immediate and severe symptoms that do not resolve quickly and require urgent medical attention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Home care services provide medical and personal care to clients in their homes. While this option may be suitable for clients with less severe symptoms, a client with significant bilateral lower extremities muscle weakness may require more intensive rehabilitation services to improve mobility and function.
Choice B reason:
A sub-acute care facility provides care for clients who need more intensive services than those available in a traditional nursing home but do not require the full resources of a hospital. While this option may be appropriate for some clients, a rehabilitation facility is better suited for addressing the specific needs of a client with significant muscle weakness due to MS.
Choice C reason:
A rehabilitation facility is the most appropriate setting for a client with significant bilateral lower extremities muscle weakness due to MS. These facilities offer specialized programs and therapies designed to improve mobility, strength, and overall function. The client can receive comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neurologists.
Choice D reason:
A skilled nursing facility provides long-term care for clients with chronic conditions or disabilities. While these facilities offer medical care and assistance with daily activities, they may not provide the intensive rehabilitation services needed for a client with significant muscle weakness due to MS.