Assessment Data: The patient's incision is clean, dry, and intact with staples.
A nurse is collecting data during the assessment of a patient.
During the assessment, the nurse collects both subjective and objective data.
Determine which data is subjective.
The patient refused breakfast after vomiting 200 mL green emesis.
The patient reports having sharp, burning pain with urination.
The patient's catheter drained 400 mL of urine during the last 8 hours.
The patient complains of extreme nausea upon awakening.

Choice A rationale

Nausea and vomiting after narcotic pain medication, while uncomfortable, are often expected side effects. The nurse should address these symptoms with antiemetics or other comfort measures, but this is generally not the highest priority unless the vomiting is severe or leads to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Choice B rationale

A constipated patient needing to use the toilet should be assisted promptly for comfort and to prevent further complications. However, this need is generally not life-threatening and can usually be addressed after more urgent issues.

Choice C rationale

A patient waiting for discharge teaching is important, but discharge planning can typically be done once the patient is stable and other immediate needs are addressed. While timely discharge is a goal, it is not the priority when a patient is experiencing acute distress.

Choice D rationale

Chest pain and shortness of breath after nitroglycerin administration are signs of potential serious cardiovascular or respiratory compromise. Nitroglycerin should relieve chest pain; if it persists or worsens with shortness of breath, it could indicate worsening angina, myocardial infarction, or an adverse reaction to the medication. This situation requires immediate assessment and intervention as it poses an immediate threat to the patient's well-being.

Choice A rationale

While electronic medical record (EMR) systems aim to improve legibility by using standardized digital documentation, they do not entirely eliminate the need to interpret physician notes or other entries. There may still be instances where clarification or interpretation is required.

Choice B rationale

A significant benefit of implementing an EMR system is the potential to streamline documentation processes. Electronic charting can reduce the time nurses spend on manual tasks such as handwriting notes, transcribing orders, and locating paper records, thereby improving efficiency.

Choice C rationale

Password management and security protocols are often a necessary component of electronic systems to protect patient privacy and data integrity. Implementing a new EMR system may involve changes to password policies and frequency of updates, which could be a source of frustration rather than a benefit.

Choice D rationale

Access to a family member's medical record, even a child's, raises significant privacy and security concerns. Healthcare systems have strict regulations (e.g., HIPAA) to protect patient confidentiality, and nurses typically do not have unrestricted access to family members' records.