Answer to Question 1
ANS: 4
Defining characteristics are assessment findings that support the nursing diagnosis. In this exam-ple, the inability to speak in complete sentences supports the nursing diagnosis of altered speech. Altered speech is the diagnostic label identifying the problem. As evidenced by is a con-necting statement for the problem and the defining characteristics. Recent neurological disturb-ances is the etiology.
Answer to Question 2
ANS: 3
A nursing diagnosis should identify the client's response, not the medical diagnosis. Because the medical diagnosis requires medical interventions, it is legally inadvisable to include it in the nurs-ing diagnosis. A nurse should validate assessment data for accuracy and understanding. Using the NANDA International list of diagnoses as a source helps to ensure accuracy. One purpose the nursing diagnosis serves is to distinguish the nurse's role from that of the physician. Another purpose is to help nurses focus on the role of nursing in client care. Nursing diagnoses promote understanding between nurses regarding clients' health problems.