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:

Assessing the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is the first step in evaluating the patient's response to pain medication. This is because vital signs and oxygen saturation can indicate the severity of pain, the effectiveness of the medication, and the presence of any adverse effects such as respiratory depression or hypotension. Assessing vital signs and oxygen saturation is also consistent with the nursing process of assessment, which guides the nurse's subsequent actions.

Choice B reason:

Notifying the physician and requesting a different medication is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition and determine the cause of inadequate pain relief. The physician may not be available or may not agree to change the medication without further information. Changing the medication may also not be necessary or appropriate, depending on the patient's pain level, type of pain, allergies, contraindications, and preferences.

Choice C reason:

Reassessing the patient's pain level in another 15 minutes is not the first action that the nurse should take. The patient is reporting a high level of pain (8 out of 10) despite receiving morphine 10 mg intravenously 30 minutes ago. This indicates that the patient is experiencing breakthrough pain, which is a sudden increase in pain intensity that occurs despite adequate analgesia. Breakthrough pain requires immediate attention and intervention, not delayed reassessment.

Choice D reason:

Providing nonpharmacological interventions such as massage or distraction is not the first action that the nurse should take. Nonpharmacological interventions are complementary methods that can enhance the effect of pharmacological interventions, but they are not sufficient to treat severe acute pain by themselves. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition and administer additional analgesia if indicated and prescribed before implementing nonpharmacological interventions.

Choice A reason:

Consulting with other members of the health care team is not the first action the nurse should take when developing a plan of care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. While collaboration is important, the nurse should first involve the client in decision making to ensure that the plan of care is individualized, realistic and acceptable to the client.

Choice B reason:

Involve the client in decision making is the correct answer. This is the first action the nurse should take when developing a plan of care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Involving the client in decision making promotes self-management, adherence and empowerment. The client is the best source of information about their preferences, goals and needs.

Choice C reason:

Reviewing current literature on diabetes management is not the first action the nurse should take when developing a plan of care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. While evidence-based practice is essential, the nurse should first involve the client in decision making to ensure that the plan of care is based on the client's situation and values.

Choice D reason:

Identifying realistic and measurable outcomes is not the first action the nurse should take when developing a plan of care for a client who has diabetes mellitus. While outcome identification is a key step in the nursing process, the nurse should first involve the client in decision making to ensure that the outcomes are relevant and achievable for the client.