A nurse is working with a client who has been recently diagnosed with a chronic illness. The client expresses fear and uncertainty about the future. Which of the following responses by the nurse best demonstrates empathy?

A. Respiratory rate measured at 22/min is observable, measurable, and obtained through direct assessment by the nurse. Objective data are factual findings that can be seen, heard, felt, or measured independently of the client’s perception.

B. Feeling anxious is a personal emotional experience described by the client. Subjective data rely on the client’s verbal report and cannot be directly measured or validated by the nurse.

C. Pain rated as 3 out of 10 reflects the client’s personal perception of discomfort. Although a scale is used, pain intensity is subjective because only the client can describe it.

D. Information provided by the partner is still based on reported experience rather than direct measurement by the nurse. This makes it subjective data, even though it comes from a secondary source.

A. Full-thickness skin loss exposing adipose tissue but not bone or muscle: This finding is characteristic of a Stage III pressure injury, not a deep tissue injury. Stage III involves actual tissue loss rather than injury limited to underlying tissues beneath intact skin.

B. Nonblanchable erythema of intact skin: This finding indicates a Stage I pressure injury, which involves superficial skin changes without tissue necrosis. It does not reflect deep tissue involvement.

C. Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis: This is consistent with a Stage II pressure injury, involving partial-thickness loss of epidermis or dermis. It does not indicate damage to underlying soft tissue beneath intact skin.

D. Localized, nonblanchable, deep red, maroon, or purple discoloration of intact skin: Deep tissue injury is identified by damage to underlying soft tissue beneath intact skin, often presenting as deep red, maroon, or purple areas. This finding reflects the hallmark sign of deep tissue injury.