In which order should the nurse assess a patient complaining of ...

[ENagel]

In which order should the nurse assess a patient complaining of pain in both knees? Place in order of priority.
 
  Choice 1. measurement of muscle mass
  Choice 2. range of motion
  Choice 3. inspection
  Choice 4. palpation

Question 2

The height of a female patient has decreased 1 inch over the last year. The patient is concerned and asks the nurse, What is happening to me? How should the nurse respond to the patient?
 
  1. Everybody gets shorter as they get older.
  2. There is no need to worry; you only lost 1 inch since last year. You probably won't lose much more than that.
  3. There can be several causes for the loss of height, but as we age, bone mass decreases and the spinal column shortens.
  4. There could be something wrong, so you should discuss it with your physician.

[sailorcrescent]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3, 4, 1, 2
The techniques used to assess the musculoskeletal system are inspection, palpation, and measurement of muscle mass and range of motion (ROM). The patient may stand, sit, or lie down, and the sequence of the exam should be such that the patient does not have frequent position changes.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
With aging, the spinal column shortens and height decreases. Telling the patient that everyone gets shorter as they get older is a nontherapeutic answer to the concern that the patient has and does not address the concern. The second answer dismisses the patient's concern and predicts a height loss that may not be accurate. The fourth answer also dismisses the patient's concern and does not give the nurse the opportunity to educate the patient.

[ENagel]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[juliaf]

TYSM