Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Following an assessment of an elderly patient brought to the emergency department after a fall, what is a likely nursing diagnosis related to the biological domain?

1. Acute pain

2. Impaired mobility

3. Risk for falls

4. Anxiety

The correct answer is: Acute pain

The appropriate nursing diagnosis that aligns with the biological domain in this situation is acute pain. This diagnosis stems from the physical condition of the patient following a fall, which likely resulted in injury. The biological domain focuses on the physical aspects of health, including physiological function, pain, and bodily injury. Acute pain reflects the immediate discomfort that the elderly patient may experience due to trauma, fractures, or other injuries sustained during the fall. Acknowledging this pain is essential for managing the patient's overall health and comfort. Effective pain management is crucial in the nursing care plan, as it can significantly influence recovery, mobility, and quality of life. Impaired mobility is also relevant, but it speaks more to functional limitations resulting from injuries rather than the direct, acute physiological response like pain. Risk for falls typically emphasizes preventive measures and does not address the current physical state. Anxiety, while important to assess, relates more to the emotional and psychological impact of the fall rather than the biological aspects of the patient's condition. Therefore, acute pain is the most fitting nursing diagnosis concerning the biological domain after an assessment following the patient's fall.