The nurse is preparing to conduct a history on a patient being seen for hip pain and reduced range of motion. For which purpose does the nurse conduct this history?

Question

1. To determine if the patient needs assistive devices
2. To evaluate the degree of pain the patient is experiencing
3. To determine the patient's level of function so care can be planned
4. To allow the patient to talk about symptoms

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: The possible use of assistive devices will be discussed during the history, but this is not the primary reason the history is obtained.
Rationale 2: The history may reveal the patient's level of pain, but this is not the primary reason the history is obtained.
Rationale 3: A detailed history of the musculoskeletal system determines a patient's ability to function, which plays an important role in developing an effective plan of care.
Rationale 4: The nurse should develop a caring relationship so that the patient will talk about the ailment; however, that is not the purpose of the history.