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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?

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.

Choice A reason:

Assisting the client with active range of motion exercises is important for preventing complications such as contractures and maintaining mobility. However, it is not the priority intervention in the acute phase of a hemorrhagic stroke. The primary focus should be on stabilizing the client and monitoring their condition closely.

Choice B reason:

Maintaining strict bed rest to minimize cerebral blood flow is not appropriate for managing a hemorrhagic stroke. While bed rest may be necessary to prevent further injury, the priority is to monitor the client’s neurological status and vital signs to detect any changes that may indicate worsening of the condition.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring vital signs and neurological status frequently is the priority intervention for a client who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke. Close monitoring allows the nurse to detect any changes in the client’s condition promptly and take appropriate action. This is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring timely intervention if the client’s condition deteriorates.

Choice D reason:

Administering anticoagulant medications is contraindicated in hemorrhagic stroke because they can exacerbate bleeding. Anticoagulants are used in ischemic stroke to prevent clot formation, but in hemorrhagic stroke, the focus is on controlling bleeding and stabilizing the client.