Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What do nursing diagnoses that impact health status include?

1. Symptoms only

2. Client preferences

3. Related factors

4. Only medical diagnoses

The correct answer is: Related factors

Nursing diagnoses that impact health status are comprehensive and consider various elements that contribute to a patient's condition. Related factors are essential components that help nurses understand the underlying issues influencing a patient's health status. These factors may include physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, environmental, and developmental influences. By identifying related factors, nurses can develop targeted interventions that address not just the symptoms, but also the root causes of health issues. For instance, if a patient has chronic pain, the related factors might encompass lifestyle choices, previous medical history, and psychosocial issues. Recognizing these factors enables nurses to create a more effective and holistic care plan aimed at improving the patient's overall well-being. In contrast, focusing solely on symptoms or client preferences does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the health issue, while relying only on medical diagnoses overlooks the multifaceted nature of nursing care, which must integrate a broader set of influences on health.