Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What is the first step in an assessment exposure during patient evaluation?

1. Cut away clothing

2. Protect privacy

3. Initiate measures to prevent heat loss

4. Expose the patient

The correct answer is: Expose the patient

The first step in an assessment exposure during patient evaluation is to expose the patient. This step is crucial because it allows the healthcare provider to visualize and assess the areas of concern, which is essential for making accurate evaluations and diagnoses. Proper exposure enables the clinician to inspect the skin for any abnormalities, injuries, or signs of distress that may not be visible through clothing. While protecting privacy is also important, it typically follows the initial decision to expose the patient for assessment purposes. Initiating measures to prevent heat loss is vital for patient comfort and safety, particularly when a patient is being undressed; however, it comes after the decision to expose the areas necessary for examination. Similarly, cutting away clothing might be necessary in certain emergency situations, but it is not the first step in a routine assessment process where exposure is done in a more controlled manner. Thus, the act of exposing the patient is fundamental to effective evaluation.