What is the most reliable indicator of pain?
Subjective report
Physical exam
Results of a CAT scan
The client's vital signs
The Correct Answer is A
A) Subjective report: The most reliable indicator of pain is the patient's own description of their experience. Pain is inherently subjective, and individuals may perceive and express pain differently. Listening to the client's self-report provides valuable insight into their pain intensity, quality, and impact on daily life, which cannot be accurately assessed through objective measures alone.
B) Physical exam: While a physical exam can provide important information about potential sources of pain or related conditions, it may not accurately reflect the intensity or nature of the pain the patient is experiencing. Physical findings may vary widely among individuals with similar pain complaints, making this a less reliable indicator.
C) Results of a CAT scan: Imaging studies like CAT scans can identify structural issues, such as fractures or tumors, but they do not measure pain. Many patients with significant pain may have normal imaging results, while others with severe findings may report minimal discomfort, underscoring the limitations of relying solely on diagnostic tests.
D) The client's vital signs: Vital signs can indicate physiological responses to pain, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure, but they are not specific indicators of pain severity. Many factors can influence vital signs, including anxiety and other medical conditions, making them unreliable for assessing pain levels independently.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Crepitus: This is the correct term to document the grating sound heard when a joint is moved. Crepitus can indicate issues such as the presence of air in the joint, cartilage degeneration, or other pathologies. Using this specific term provides clarity to the medical record and helps other healthcare providers understand the nature of the joint's condition.
B) Positive joint sounds: This phrase is less specific and does not adequately describe the type of sound noted during the assessment. It may also lead to ambiguity, as it lacks the medical precision that crepitus provides.
C) Grating and popping: While this description conveys what the nurse observed, it is not a standardized medical term. Precise documentation is essential in medical records, and using non-standard language can lead to confusion.
D) Crackles: Typically associated with respiratory assessments, crackles refer to sounds heard in the lungs and are not applicable to joint examinations. Therefore, this term would be inappropriate for documenting findings related to joint movement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Lordosis: This term specifically refers to an exaggerated inward curvature of the spine, particularly in the cervical or lumbar regions. When the nurse observes an exaggerated cervical curve, lordosis is the correct term to use for documentation, indicating a deviation from the normal spinal alignment.
B) Scoliosis: This condition is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It does not apply to the observation of an exaggerated cervical curve and would not be appropriate for this finding.
C) Kyphosis: This term denotes an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, often leading to a hunchback appearance. Since the assessment focuses on the cervical region, kyphosis would not accurately describe an exaggerated cervical curve.
D) Normal curve: This term refers to the expected, healthy curvature of the spine. Documenting an exaggerated curve as "normal" would be misleading and does not accurately reflect the observed condition. The nurse should document the finding as lordosis to convey the specific abnormality noted.