Question

Client assessment provides the nurse with necessary information for the development of an effective plan of care. When determining the influence of an internal variable on the client's health status, the nurse will specifically look for:

1. Anxiety level present
2. Family remedies used
3. Location and type of occupation
4. Available health insurance coverage

Answer 1

A nurse assessing an internal variable on the client's health status would specifically look for the anxiety level present, as it's a personal factor that directly impacts health.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing the influence of an internal variable on the client's health status, a nurse is specifically looking for factors within the individual that can affect their health. In this context, the correct internal variable from the options provided would be anxiety level present. Anxiety can directly impact a person's physiological and psychological well-being, which is central to health status and effective care planning. Factors such as family remedies used, location and type of occupation, and available health insurance coverage are considered external variables as they are influenced by the environment and society.

Internal variables include a person’s psychological state, emotional state, and biological conditions. Accurate assessment of these can greatly assist in creating a personalized and effective plan of care. For instance, understanding a patient's stress levels as shown through the increased stress between months three and six in a program can inform the healthcare provider about potential adjustments needed in the care plan. Additionally, considering personal beliefs and cultural influences, like those examined by medical anthropologists, can help in tailoring effective interventions.