Tell us about a time when you had to assess and observe a patient to determine their medical condition.

In my previous role as a Registered Nurse, there was a patient who came into the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. I immediately assessed the patient's vital signs and interviewed them about their symptoms. I noticed that their blood pressure was elevated and their heart rate was elevated as well. I also observed that they were pale and diaphoretic. Based on these findings, I suspected that the patient might have appendicitis. I quickly consulted with the physician and recommended further diagnostic tests. The patient was sent for a CT scan, which confirmed my suspicion. The patient was then taken to the operating room for an emergency appendectomy. This experience taught me the importance of thorough assessment and observation in determining a patient's medical condition.

In my previous role as a Registered Nurse, I encountered a patient who presented with respiratory distress. I immediately assessed the patient's vital signs and observed their breathing pattern. I noticed that their respiratory rate was elevated and they were using accessory muscles to breathe. I also observed that their oxygen saturation levels were low. Based on these findings, I suspected that the patient might have acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). I quickly initiated oxygen therapy and consulted with the physician for further assessment. The patient was then admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and treatment. This experience highlighted the importance of keen observation and attention to detail in identifying a patient's medical condition.

The solid answer includes a specific example of when the candidate assessed and observed a patient to determine their medical condition. It provides more details about the specific observations made by the candidate, such as respiratory rate and oxygen saturation levels. However, the answer could be further improved by discussing the candidate's communication and critical-thinking skills in the context of assessing and observing the patient.

In my previous role as a Registered Nurse, I encountered a patient who was experiencing confusion and disorientation. I immediately assessed the patient's vital signs and observed their behavior. I noticed that their blood pressure and heart rate were within normal limits, but they were exhibiting signs of agitation and restlessness. I also observed that their pupils were dilated and they were unable to answer basic questions coherently. Based on these findings, I suspected that the patient might be experiencing a drug overdose or toxicity. I quickly notified the physician and recommended a toxicology screen. The results confirmed my suspicion, and the patient was given appropriate treatment to reverse the effects of the overdose. This experience emphasized the importance of thorough assessment, observation, and critical-thinking in accurately determining a patient's medical condition.

The exceptional answer includes a specific example of when the candidate assessed and observed a patient to determine their medical condition. It provides detailed observations made by the candidate, such as vital signs, behavior, and physical symptoms. The answer also demonstrates the candidate's critical-thinking skills in making a differential diagnosis and recommending appropriate tests. Additionally, the candidate emphasizes the importance of thorough assessment and observation. However, the answer could be further enhanced by discussing the candidate's interpersonal and communication skills in the context of assessing and observing the patient.