A nurse is assessing a patient who reports feeling stress and anxiety.

The patient appears restless and is pacing in the room.

The patient is alert and oriented to person, place, and time.

Which of the following findings is subjective?

Choice A rationale
High glucose levels can indicate uncontrolled diabetes, which can increase the risk of surgical complications such as infection and poor wound healing.
Choice B rationale
Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients undergoing procedures that involve the use of contrast dye.
Choice C rationale
A history of smoking can increase the risk of surgical complications, including poor wound healing, infection, and lung problems.
Choice D rationale
An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count can indicate an infection or inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of surgical complications.
Choice E rationale
Type 2 diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of surgical complications, including infection, poor wound healing, and cardiovascular complications.

Choice A rationale
While palliative care can indeed help improve a patient’s quality of life, it is not typically aimed at curing the disease or significantly prolonging life. Instead, the focus is on managing symptoms and improving comfort. Therefore, the statement “This treatment should help me live a little longer and give me hope for a cure” does not accurately reflect the goals of palliative care.
Choice B rationale
The statement “I will continue my strict dietary plan” does not necessarily indicate an understanding of palliative care. While maintaining good nutrition can be an important part of managing some conditions, palliative care is more focused on symptom management and improving quality of life. Strict dietary restrictions may not be necessary or beneficial in a palliative care context.
Choice C rationale
The statement “I am hoping this will limit my discomfort and give me the best quality of life for me” accurately reflects the goals of palliative care. Palliative care aims to manage symptoms, including pain and discomfort, and to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Choice D rationale
The statement “This is not working and I plan to stop treatment” does not necessarily reflect an understanding of palliative care. While a patient has the right to stop treatment at any time, this decision should be based on a thorough understanding of their condition and the potential benefits and drawbacks of continuing or discontinuing treatment.