A man is at the clinic for a physical examination. He states that ...

[colton]

A man is at the clinic for a physical examination. He states that he is very anxious about the physical examination. What steps can the nurse take to make him more comfortable?
 
  a. Appear unhurried and confident when examining him.
  b. Stay in the room when he undresses in case he needs assistance.
  c. Ask him to change into an examining gown and to take off his undergarments.
  d. Defer measuring vital signs until the end of the examination, which allows him time to become comfortable.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. The correct action by the nurse is reflected by which statement? The nurse:
 
  a. Performs the examination from the left side of the bed.
  b. Examines tender or painful areas first to help relieve the patient's anxiety.
  c. Follows the same examination sequence, regardless of the patient's age or condition.
  d. Organizes the assessment to ensure that the patient does not change positions too often.

[tanna.moeller]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Anxiety can be reduced by an examiner who is confident, self-assured, considerate, and unhurried. Familiar and relatively nonthreatening actions, such as measuring the person's vital signs, will gradually accustom the person to the examination.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The steps of the assessment should be organized to ensure that the patient does not change positions too often. The sequence of the steps of the assessment may differ, depending on the age of the person and the examiner's preference. Tender or painful areas should be assessed last.