CHAPTER 25: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

C HAPTER 25: P UTTING IT A LL T OGETHER
Ball: Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination, 9th Edition



MULTIPLE CHOICE


1. Which is true regarding the relationship between the examiner and patient?
a. It is the examiner's responsibility to help the patient understand that he or
she is qualified to make decisions regarding health care.
b. The patient must trust the examiner completely.
c. The examiner-patient relationship is enhanced by ignoring cultural issues.
d. The patient is a full partner with the examiner.



ANS: D



The patient is a full partner with the examiner. The examiner should keep the
patient informed and should develop a relationship to ensure trust. Cultural
issues should be acknowledged, not ignored. The examiner should keep the
patient informed, but it is not the examiner's responsibility to help the patient
understand that he or she is qualified to make healthcare decisions. The
examiner should develop a relationship to ensure trust, but it is not necessary
for the patient to trust the examiner completely.



DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) OBJ: Nursing
process—assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Basic Care and
Comfort 2.



2. Which examiner behavior would help minimize your patient's dissatisfaction?

, a. Assume a busy and rushed attitude.
b. Convey your own feelings of discomfort.
c. Keep the patient waiting for more than 30 minutes.
d. Seek information about the patient's problem.



ANS: D



When performing an examination, you are seeking information about the
patient and the problem that brings the patient to you. This process teaches
you about the patient and teaches the patient about your personal discipline,
professional composure, and respect for others.



DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) OBJ: Nursing process—
assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort



3. An examiner might be able to help a patient who seems uncomfortable with close
contact during an examination by:
a. acknowledging the discomfort.
b. backing away from the patient.
c. joking about the patient's discomfort.
d. moving briskly to completion.



ANS: A



Acknowledging the patient's discomfort during the examination will help the
patient feel more relaxed. Your professional concern can be reassuring to the
patient. You should explain what you are doing to the patient before the
assessment and what the patient will experience; if not, you will run the risk
of losing trust. The other choices would make the patient more uneasy.

, DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) OBJ: Nursing process—
assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort



4. When performing a history and physical assessment, the examiner should:
a. change the sequence of observation with each interview.
b. develop a sequence of standard observations.
c. develop a preliminary diagnosis at the onset.
d. direct patient responses to fit the history sequence.



ANS: B



When performing a history and physical assessment, you should develop an
approach that is comfortable to you and ensures comfort for the patient. Part
of the history can be obtained while you are doing the physical examination.



DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) OBJ: Nursing
process—assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Basic Care and
Comfort



5. The examiner should develop a demeanor that is exemplified by which one of the
following behaviors?
a. Exhibits visible distaste about the condition.
b. Gives immediate reassurances to the patient.
c. Gives patient unsolicited advice.
d. Validates the patient's justified concerns.



ANS: D