Collaborative Practice by Yoost & Crawford
Chapter 8: Planning
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a postoperative abdominal surgery patient who expressed
pre-surgery concerns about managing a colostomy and is now complaining of severe
pain. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Pain
B. Alteration in body image
C. Knowledge deficit
D. Risk for falls
Answer: A
Explanation: According to Maslow's hierarchy, physiological needs like pain take precedence
over psychosocial concerns. Pain management is urgent to improve patient comfort and facilitate
recovery, while other diagnoses (e.g., body image or knowledge deficit) are secondary.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: B is incorrect because body image concerns, while important,
are less urgent than acute pain. C is incorrect as education can occur after pain relief. D is
incorrect because fall risk becomes relevant only after administering pain medication.
2. Which action is essential when setting priorities among identified nursing diagnoses
during the planning phase?
A. Monitoring patient responses
B. Carrying out the provider’s plan of care
C. Providing all interventions simultaneously
D. Collaborating with other disciplines
Answer: A
Explanation: Prioritization requires ongoing assessment of patient responses to adjust care plans
effectively. Monitoring ensures interventions align with evolving patient needs and outcomes.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: B is incorrect because nursing prioritization is independent of
provider orders. C is incorrect as interventions must be sequenced by urgency. D is incorrect
because collaboration supports but does not replace prioritization.
, 3. Which assessment finding should the nurse address first for a postoperative patient?
A. Reddened area on the coccyx
B. Decreased urinary output
C. Shortness of breath
D. Drainage from the surgical incision
Answer: C
Explanation: Airway and breathing (ABCs) are immediate priorities. Shortness of breath may
indicate life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism or pneumonia.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A is incorrect because skin redness, while concerning, is not
urgent. B is incorrect as decreased output requires monitoring but is less critical. D is incorrect
because incision drainage is expected unless signs of infection arise.
4. Which patient issue requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. Pain
B. Hunger
C. Decreased self-esteem
D. Absence of pulse
Answer: D
Explanation: Absence of pulse indicates cardiac arrest, necessitating immediate CPR. Circulation
is a top priority under the ABCs framework.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, B, and C are incorrect because pain, hunger, and self-esteem,
while important, are not life-threatening.
5. Which statement by the nurse reflects understanding of the planning phase in the
nursing process?
A. "Patients should be included in the planning process."
B. "Families should not interfere in planning."
C. "Planning focuses only on short-term goals."
D. "Planning is the first phase of the nursing process."
Answer: A
Explanation: Patient involvement ensures goals are realistic and fosters cooperation. Planning is
the third phase (after assessment and diagnosis) and includes both short- and long-term goals.