Answer to Question 1
C
To assess level of orientation, the best question is to ask the patient for his name, date, and his current location. Asking the patient to repeat a sequence of words (e.g., glasses, rocket, truck) assesses recall and recent memory. Asking a patient for the date of retirement assesses long-term memory but does not reflect the patient's orientation status to the present time and situation. Asking a patient what he ate for breakfast assesses short-term memory only.
Answer to Question 2
B
Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, smokers metabolize vitamin C faster than do nonsmokers. The more a person uses tobacco, the more vitamin C is lost, yet, the body needs more vitamin C to counteract the damage smoking causes to cells. Additionally, because vitamin C aids in absorption of iron, a low level of vitamin C is also linked to iron deficiency. If a person cannot quit smoking, vitamin C and iron supplementation may help compensate. This is the best explanation to give to the patient. It is informative and nonjudgmental. Nurses can answer these questions without having to refer the patient to the nurse practitioner. Telling a patient he would be better off not smoking may be true, but it reflects a judgmental attitude on the part of the nurse. Telling the patient that he is lacking in many vitamins is too broad and not helpful.
