A nurse is documenting the data collected from a comprehensive physical exam of a client. Which of the following data should the nurse identify as objective data?

Choice A reason:

The nurse reports any changes in the client's vital signs, weight, or fluid status to the primary provider. This action demonstrates the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it involves sharing relevant and timely information about the client's condition and needs with the primary provider, who can then make appropriate decisions or adjustments to the plan of care. Reporting changes in vital signs, weight, or fluid status is especially important for a client who has chronic heart failure, as these indicators can reflect worsening or improving cardiac function. Reporting changes also follows the ISBARR format of communication, which is a standardized method of exchanging patient information between health care team members.

Choice B reason:

The nurse administers prescribed medications, such as diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors. This action does not demonstrate the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it is a routine nursing task that does not involve direct interaction or exchange of information with other health care team members. Administering medications is part of the nurse's scope of practice and responsibility, and does not require collaboration or communication with other providers, unless there are questions, concerns, or issues regarding the medication orders.

Choice C reason:

The nurse educates the client about lifestyle modifications, such as sodium restriction, exercise, and smoking cessation. This action does not demonstrate the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it is a nursing intervention that focuses on the client's education and self-management, not on the interaction or exchange of information with other health care team members. Educating the client about lifestyle modifications is part of the nurse's role in promoting health and preventing complications, and does not require collaboration or communication with other providers, unless there are discrepancies or inconsistencies in the education materials or messages.

Choice D reason:.

The nurse assesses the client's cardiac function, such as heart sounds, rhythm, and peripheral pulses. This action does not demonstrate the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it is a nursing assessment that does not involve direct interaction or exchange of information with other health care team members. Assessing the client's cardiac function is part of the nurse's role in monitoring and evaluating the client's response to treatment, and does not require collaboration or communication with other providers, unless there are abnormal findings that need to be reported or documented.

Choice A reason:

The client will ambulate 50 feet with a walker by day 3. This is an example of a goal rather than an outcome because it is a specific action that the client intends to achieve within a certain time frame. It is also a process goal because it is a step or sub-goal towards a more significant and overarching goal, such as improving mobility or preventing complications. Process goals are more controllable and measurable than outcome goals.

Choice B reason:

The client will maintain fluid balance as evidenced by stable weight and urine output. This is an example of an outcome rather than a goal because it is the overarching result that the client intends to achieve. It is also an outcome goal because it enables the client to assess their present and intended performance results while developing an outline that guides the steps to realize it. Outcome goals are more general and less controllable than process goals.

Choice C reason:

The client will have improved gas exchange as indicated by oxygen saturation above 92%. This is an example of an outcome rather than a goal because it is the overarching result that the client intends to achieve. It is also an outcome goal because it enables the client to assess their present and intended performance results while developing an outline that guides the steps to realize it. Outcome goals are more general and less controllable than process goals.

Choice D reason:

The client will have normal bowel function. This is an example of an outcome rather than a goal because it is the overarching result that the client intends to achieve. It is also an outcome goal because it enables the client to assess their present and intended performance results while developing an outline that guides the steps to realize it. Outcome goals are more general and less controllable than process goals.