Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When a nurse observes that a patient is trembling and perspiring and inquires when this started, this is an example of what?

1. Reporting

2. Observation

3. Assessment

4. Documentation

The correct answer is: Observation

The scenario described is an example of observation because it involves the nurse noticing specific physical signs exhibited by the patient, such as trembling and perspiring. Observational skills are a critical component of nursing practice, allowing the nurse to gather visual and sensory information that indicates a patient's physiological state. When the nurse inquires about the onset of these symptoms, they are further engaged in the assessment process, but the initial act of noticing and identifying the symptoms is purely observation. This step is vital in clinical practice as it can lead to a better understanding of the patient's condition and the potential need for further assessment or intervention. Reporting typically involves communicating findings to other members of the healthcare team, whereas documentation refers to the formal recording of a patient's information, assessments, treatments, and responses. While both are important functions in nursing, they do not specifically encapsulate the direct act of observing the patient’s physical condition. Assessment is a broader term and encompasses observation as well, but in this context, the emphasis on the nurse's initial recognition of symptoms qualifies it specifically as observation.