Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions,
And Rationales
16th Edition
• Author(S)Marilynn E. Doenges; Mary
Frances Moorhouse; Alice C. Murr
TEST BANK
1
Reference
The Nursing Process — Assessment: Subjective vs. Objective
Data
Stem
A 68-year-old postoperative client reports “I feel weak and
dizzy” and you note a blood pressure of 86/54 mm Hg and pale,
,cool skin. Which data should a nurse document as subjective,
and which supports immediate priority action?
A. “I feel weak and dizzy” — subjective; low BP supports
immediate action.
B. Pale, cool skin — subjective; BP supports immediate action.
C. Blood pressure 86/54 mm Hg — subjective; client complaint
supports immediate action.
D. Pale, cool skin — objective; client complaint is not useful for
immediate action.
Correct answer: A
Rationales
Correct (A): “I feel weak and dizzy” is a subjective report
(client’s own words); blood pressure 86/54 mm Hg is objective,
measurable data that explains the complaint and requires
immediate priority action for perfusion. This distinction aligns
with chapter guidance on subjective (verbal) versus objective
(observable/measurable) data and using both to set priorities.
Incorrect (B): Pale, cool skin is objective, not subjective. While it
supports urgent action, the option mislabels the cue.
Incorrect (C): BP is an objective finding, not subjective. The
client’s complaint adds context but objective hypotension is the
immediate physiological cue.
Incorrect (D): The client complaint is useful—subjective data
help interpret objective findings and guide interventions.
Teaching point: Subjective = patient-reported; objective =
observed/measured; both guide priority action.
,Citation: Doenges, M. E., Moorhouse, M. F., & Murr, A. C.
(2022). Nurse’s Pocket Guide (16th ed.). The Nursing Process
and Planning Client Care.
2
Reference
The Nursing Process — Five Steps and Their Sequence
Stem
A new graduate nurse prepares a care plan. Which sequence
best reflects the nursing process as presented in Chapter 1?
A. Implementation → Assessment → Diagnosis → Evaluation →
Planning
B. Assessment → Diagnosis → Planning → Implementation →
Evaluation
C. Diagnosis → Assessment → Planning → Implementation →
Evaluation
D. Assessment → Planning → Diagnosis → Implementation →
Evaluation
Correct answer: B
Rationales
Correct (B): Chapter 1 defines the five sequential steps as
assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and
evaluation—this order supports systematic clinical reasoning
and documentation.
Incorrect (A): Implementation cannot precede assessment and
, diagnosis; doing so risks unsafe, non-individualized care.
Incorrect (C): Diagnosis requires data from assessment;
reversing them is illogical.
Incorrect (D): Planning requires the diagnostic statement that
results from assessment; diagnosis must come before planning.
Teaching point: Follow ADPIE: Assess → Diagnose → Plan →
Implement → Evaluate.
Citation: Doenges et al. (2022). Chapter 1.
3
Reference
Data Analysis and Diagnostic Statement Construction (PES
format)
Stem
A client has poor glucose monitoring, missed insulin doses, and
frequent fasting blood glucose readings >250 mg/dL. According
to Chapter 1 guidance on diagnostic statements, which PES-
style nursing diagnostic statement is best?
A. Risk for unstable blood glucose level related to missed
injections.
B. Unstable blood glucose level as evidenced by fasting blood
glucose >250 mg/dL.
C. Risk for unstable blood glucose level as evidenced by missed
doses and poor monitoring.
D. Risk for unstable blood glucose level related to inadequate