A nurse is asking questions about the present health status of a young woman who has lost weight recently. Which question is most appropriate when inquiring about present health status?
A) "What concerns have you had in the past regarding your weight?"
B) "Do you have anorexia?"
C) "Describe the recent changes in your weight."
D) "Do you have a family history of eating disorders?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asking the patient to describe recent changes in weight is an appropriate, open-ended question to begin data collection so that the patient can report her current health status related to weight. Question A implies the patient has or should have concerns about weight loss and is not focused on the present health status. Option B is not an appropriate question. More data are needed about this patient before anorexia can be suspected or determined. Question D is asked in the history rather than in the present health status part of the health history.

A Nurse Is Asking Questions About the Present Health Status