What is the main purpose of the health assessment?
To establish a rapport with the client and family
To establish a data base against which subsequent assessments can be measured
To gather information for specialists to whom the client may be referred
To qualify the degree of pain the client may be experiencing
The Correct Answer is B
A) To establish a rapport with the client and family: While building rapport is an important aspect of the health assessment process, it is not the primary purpose. Establishing a trusting relationship can enhance communication and the quality of care, but the overarching goal of the assessment extends beyond interpersonal dynamics.
B) To establish a database against which subsequent assessments can be measured: This is the primary purpose of a health assessment. By collecting comprehensive baseline data regarding a client's health status, the nurse creates a reference point for future evaluations. This allows for the monitoring of changes in the patient's condition over time, facilitating timely interventions when necessary.
C) To gather information for specialists to whom the client may be referred: Although gathering relevant information for potential referrals is beneficial, it is not the main purpose of the health assessment. The assessment primarily serves to inform the current healthcare team about the patient's status rather than focusing solely on future consultations.
D) To qualify the degree of pain the client may be experiencing: Assessing pain is an important component of a comprehensive health assessment, but it is just one aspect among many. The overall purpose of the health assessment encompasses a broader evaluation of physical, emotional, and social factors affecting the client's health.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Texture: Assessing the texture of the skin is an important part of a comprehensive skin assessment. It provides insights into the health and hydration status of the skin. Normal skin texture should feel smooth and even, while changes can indicate issues such as dryness or conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
B) Tachypnea: This term refers to an increased respiratory rate and is not a characteristic assessed in the skin. While it can indicate a physiological response to various conditions, it does not relate to skin health or characteristics and therefore is not relevant in this context.
C) Turgor: Skin turgor refers to the elasticity and hydration status of the skin, which can be assessed by pinching the skin. Proper turgor indicates adequate hydration, while decreased turgor can signal dehydration or other health issues. This is an essential component of skin assessment.
D) Temperature: Assessing the temperature of the skin can provide information about circulation and potential inflammation or infection. Normal skin temperature should feel warm and consistent, while variations can suggest underlying conditions such as fever or shock.
E) Tympany: Tympany is a term used in percussion assessments of the abdomen and is not applicable to skin assessment. It refers to a hollow sound produced by tapping on a body surface and does not pertain to skin characteristics.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) The patient has asthma: While asthma can lead to respiratory symptoms and issues, it is not typically associated with clubbing of the fingernails. Asthma primarily affects airway constriction and inflammation, rather than causing the long-term changes in nail morphology seen with clubbing.
B) The patient has cardiovascular disease: Although some cardiovascular conditions can lead to clubbing, it is more commonly associated with chronic lung diseases. Cardiovascular disease might cause other signs or symptoms, but clubbing alone is not a definitive indicator of this condition.
C) The patient has emphysema: Emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by the destruction of lung tissue and impaired airflow. While it can contribute to hypoxemia, clubbing is not a common finding specifically associated with emphysema.
D) The patient has chronic hypoxemia: Clubbing of the fingernails is a classic sign of chronic hypoxemia, often resulting from long-term respiratory conditions like COPD, interstitial lung disease, or lung cancer. It indicates a prolonged lack of oxygen in the blood, leading to changes in the nail bed and digit shape. Given the patient's long smoking history, chronic hypoxemia is the most likely explanation for this finding.