A nurse is documenting the data collected from an assessment of a client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following statements should the nurse use to record objective data?

Choice A reason:

This statement is not objective data because it is based on what the client states, not what the nurse observes or measures. This is an example of subjective data, which is information that depends on personal feelings.

Choice B reason:

This statement is objective data because it is based on what the nurse observes or measures using a thermometer and a pulse oximeter. This is an example of objective data, which is information that is factual and can be verified.

Choice C reason:

This statement is not objective data because it is based on the nurse's interpretation of the client's appearance and behavior, not on direct observation or measurement. This is an example of subjective data, which is information that represents the patient's perceptions, feelings, or concerns.

Choice D reason:

This statement is not objective data because it is based on what the client reports, not what the nurse observes or measures. This is an example of subjective data, which is information that the patient tells the nurse that cannot be measured or observed.

Choice A reason:

Asking about family history of heart disease or stroke is not a priority question for a client who is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. This question may be relevant for assessing the client's risk factors, but it does not address the immediate problem or help to determine the cause of the symptoms. Therefore, this is not the best choice.

Choice B reason:

Asking how long the client has been feeling this way is a priority question for a client who is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. This question helps to determine the onset and duration of the symptoms, which are important factors for diagnosing and treating the client. For example, if the client has been feeling this way for more than 20 minutes, it may indicate a myocardial infarction (heart attack), which requires urgent intervention. Therefore, this is the best choice.

Choice C reason:

Asking about medications or supplements is not a priority question for a client who is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. This question may be relevant for assessing the client's medical history and possible drug interactions, but it does not address the immediate problem or help to determine the cause of the symptoms. Therefore, this is not the best choice.

Choice D reason:

Asking what the client was doing when the pain started is not a priority question for a client who is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. This question may be relevant for assessing the possible triggers or precipitating factors of the symptoms, but it does not address the immediate problem or help to determine the cause of the symptoms. Therefore, this is not the best choice.