Which of these questions would be most appropriate for a nurse to ...

[Themember4]

Which of these questions would be most appropriate for a nurse to ask a patient to assist in establishing a nursing diagnosis of Diarrhea?
 
  a. What types of foods do you think caused your upset stomach?
  b. How many bowel movements a day have you had?
  c. Are you able to get to the bathroom in time?
  d. What medications are you currently taking?

Question 2

A patient presents to the emergency department with a laceration of the right forearm caused by a fall. After determining that the patient is stable, the next best step is to
 
  a. Inspect the wound for bleeding.
  b. Inspect the wound for foreign bodies.
  c. Determine the size of the wound.
  d. Determine the need for a tetanus antitoxin injection.

[yahahah24021]

Answer to Question 1

B
The nurse needs to first ensure that the symptoms support the diagnosis. By definition, diarrhea means that a patient is having frequent stools. Asking about irritating foods and medications may help the nurse determine the cause of the diarrhea, but first the nurse needs to make sure the diagnosis is appropriate. Asking the patient if he can make it to the bathroom will help to establish a diagnosis of incontinence, not diarrhea. The question is asking for the most appropriate statement to establish the diagnosis of Diarrhea.

Answer to Question 2

A
After determining that a patient's condition is stable, inspect the wound for bleeding. An abrasion will have limited bleeding, a laceration can bleed more profusely, and a puncture wound bleeds in relation to the size and depth of the wound. Address any bleeding issues. Inspect the wound for foreign bodies; traumatic wounds are dirty and may need to be addressed. Determine the size of the wound. A large open wound may expose bone or tissue and be protected, or the wound may need suturing. When the wound is caused by a dirty penetrating object, determine the need for a tetanus vaccination.