The nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which client should the nurse identify as a third-level priority?

A. "Is it correct that you are here due to leg pain?": This is a closed-ended question that only confirms a specific detail. It limits the client’s opportunity to provide additional information or context about their condition.

B. "Do you have any family or friends with you?": This question addresses support systems, which is useful but does not elicit comprehensive information about the client’s health concerns or reason for seeking care.

C. "What brings you to the hospital today?": This open-ended question encourages the client to describe their primary concerns in their own words. It allows the nurse to gather a broad and detailed understanding of the client’s symptoms, history, and perspective.

D. "What medications have you taken recently?": This question provides specific information about pharmacological history but does not allow the client to share additional details about their current condition or health concerns.

• Melena: Melena is an observable finding indicating dark, tarry stools, which the nurse can verify during the physical assessment. As an objective sign, it is measurable and detectable without relying on the client’s personal report. Documenting melena provides concrete evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding or other pathology.

• Stomach pain: Stomach pain is a subjective symptom because it is reported by the client and cannot be directly measured by the nurse. It reflects the client’s personal experience of discomfort and is essential to capture during assessment. Subjective data help guide further evaluation and treatment planning based on the client’s reported experience.