Can you help me with a test question?...

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The question was a patient complains of pain, what is the first action a nurse takes.

c. Ask the patient about the pain.

d. Speak in a calm, low tone to avoid patient anxiety.

Wouldn't you have to do d to even do c? The answer key says c.

In the chapters on communication and caring the nurse's tone is mentioned. The instructor is saying the answer is C because thats what the test key says, a test bank from the Fundamentals of Nursing Text that has so many issues. I am frustrated that this book has obvious issues and the instructor won't waiver despite the poor materials (typos, misnumbering, poor questions, etc.)

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Specializes in Taking one day at a time....

I just love nursing questions...:eek:

I actually understand this question though but yes it is tricky. But if i saw this on a test I would pick C. Its asking for the "action". Choice D is an action but you would do that while you are asking about the pain. Choice D also doesnt really answer the question-- the patient is complaining about pain so wouldnt you immediately want to ask them about it? Speaking in a calm, low tone might reduce their anxiety but doesnt help get any information from the patient. It wants to trick you but I think logically you should know that the "speaking" part is common sense while asking the patient about the pain would be the first choice...

Did that help? I think I just confused myself lol. :rolleyes:

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Specializes in hospice.
The question was a patient complains of pain, what is the first action a nurse takes.

c. Ask the patient about the pain.

d. Speak in a calm, low tone to avoid patient anxiety.

Wouldn't you have to do d to even do c? The answer key says c.

In the chapters on communication and caring the nurse's tone is mentioned. The instructor is saying the answer is C because thats what the test key says, a test bank from the Fundamentals of Nursing Text that has so many issues. I am frustrated that this book has obvious issues and the instructor won't waiver despite the poor materials (typos, misnumbering, poor questions, etc.)

I can see where you're confused, but this is the way I'm looking at it. You could speak in a calm tone to avoid anxiety, but what exactly would you be talking about? "Mr. Jones, what kind of cheese would you like on your cheeseburger?" I think that by answering C, you are already assuming that you are talking in a calm, low tone.

Not sure if that makes any sense, sorry. I'm very sleep-deprived this week from school :zzzzz

And as for the Fundamentals book (assuming you mean the Potter/Perry one), isn't that a frustrating book? I think it was in that book that said nurses should aspirate before giving a heparin injection. Uh, not according to all of the nurses I've asked!!!

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Yep its Potter and Perry, last test I would have chosen C but then I got slammed with assuming the first action so this test I changed my theories because of the last test.

I wish she would hand back the tests so I can research the rationales as they seem to always be changing. Actually I wish she would write her own test questions as Potter and Perry didn't do such a great job with the textbook, we can't assume they write great test questions.

Thanks for your input.

I can't wait to be out of this course.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

It's C because C definitely addresses the question.

D may...or may not. You may speak soft and calm, but what are you going to ask him? Also, how do you know your patient isn't hard of hearing? ;)

It is a tricky one though, I can see how you would get caught. But C is the better answer.

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