Which nursing assessment is an example of brevity and clarity while meeting legal guidelines?
“Taking fluids poorly, but more than yesterday."
"Apparently comfortable all night. Offers no complaints of pain."
"Patient says she is still slightly nauseated, would like to try some toast and tea."
"4 cm reddened area over sacrum. Skin intact, warm, and dry."
The Correct Answer is D
A. “Taking fluids poorly, but more than yesterday."
This assessment is vague (“taking fluids poorly”), lacks measurable details, and does not meet the clarity standard required in documentation.
B. "Apparently comfortable all night. Offers no complaints of pain."
“Apparently comfortable” is an assumption rather than an observable, objective statement, which could be legally questionable.
C. "Patient says she is still slightly nauseated, would like to try some toast and tea."
While this is clear, “slightly nauseated” could be more specific, and this does not objectively quantify the patient’s condition.
D. "4 cm reddened area over sacrum. Skin intact, warm, and dry."
This statement is concise, uses precise measurements, and includes objective data, meeting legal documentation guidelines.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Uses short, simple sentences.
Short, simple sentences are easier to understand and support clear communication.
B. Shouts repeatedly at the patient.
Shouting can distort sounds and may be uncomfortable or disrespectful for the patient.
C. Speaks directly into the patient's ear.
Speaking directly into the ear is not appropriate as it can invade personal space and may not improve understanding.
D. Uses long, complex sentences.
Long sentences may be harder for the patient to understand, especially if lip-reading is being used.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Write down remarks on a clipboard to facilitate later topics of conversation.
Writing down remarks could distract from active listening and might make the patient feel as though the nurse isn’t fully engaged in the conversation.
B. Make a conscious effort to block out other sounds in the immediate environment.
Active listening requires focusing on the speaker by minimizing distractions, allowing the nurse to be fully attentive to the patient.
C. Maintain eye contact by staring at the patient.
Active listening involves natural eye contact, not staring, as staring can be intimidating and may cause discomfort for the patient.
D. Prompt the patient when the patient stops talking for a moment.
Giving the patient time to think and process without prompting respects their pace and encourages them to share more when ready.