The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath. How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?
a. The patient should lie down to obtain an accurate cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal assessment.
b. A thorough history and physical assessment information should be obtained from the patient's family member.
c. A complete history and physical assessment should be immediately performed to obtain baseline information.
d. Body areas appropriate to the problem should be examined and then the assessment completed after the problem has resolved.
ANS: D
Both altering the position of the patient during the examination and collecting a mini database by examining the body areas appropriate to the problem may be necessary in this situation. An assessment may be completed later after the distress is resolved.
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