The nurse is caring for a patient who is having a heart attack. The patient tells the nurse that the pain is down his left arm rather than in his chest. What type of pain is the patient experiencing?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because reassuring the patient that the shortness of breath will be relieved shortly is not the priority action of the nurse as the assessment process is started. Reassurance is a communication technique that involves expressing confidence or support to the patient and alleviating their anxiety or fear. However, it is not the most urgent action for a patient with acute shortness of breath, which is a sign of respiratory distress that can have various causes and complications. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition and provide oxygen therapy if needed.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because pulling the curtain around the bed and ensuring patient privacy is not the priority action of the nurse as the assessment process is started. Privacy is a patient right that involves protecting the patient's personal information and dignity. However, it is not the most urgent action for a patient with acute shortness of breath, which is a sign of respiratory distress that can have various causes and complications. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition and provide oxygen therapy if needed.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because telling the patient that the physician will be in shortly to start treatment is not the priority action of the nurse as the assessment process is started. Communication is a nursing skill that involves informing the patient of the plan of care and collaborating with other health care professionals. However, it is not the most urgent action for a patient with acute shortness of breath, which is a sign of respiratory distress that can have various causes and complications. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition and provide oxygen therapy if needed.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because listening to the patient’s lung sounds and checking the pulse oximetry level is the priority action of the nurse as the assessment process is started. Assessment is a nursing process that involves collecting and analyzing data about the patient's health status and needs. Listening to the patient’s lung sounds and checking the pulse oximetry level are essential steps to evaluate the patient's respiratory function and oxygenation. These actions can help the nurse to identify the possible cause and severity of the patient's shortness of breath and to initiate appropriate interventions.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because the patient’s lung sounds are diminished bilaterally with expiratory wheezes is an example of objective data. Objective data is observable and measurable information that can be verified by the nurse or other health care professionals. The nurse can use a stethoscope to listen to the patient’s lung sounds and document the findings.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient worries that the insurance company will not pay the hospital bill is an example of subjective data. Subjective data is what the patient tells the nurse about their symptoms, feelings, perceptions, and concerns. The nurse cannot observe or measure the patient’s worry, but can only rely on the patient’s verbal report.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient wonders if supplemental oxygen at home would be beneficial is an example of subjective data. Subjective data is what the patient tells the nurse about their symptoms, feelings, perceptions, and concerns. The nurse cannot observe or measure the patient’s wonder, but can only rely on the patient’s verbal report.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient felt less short of breath after receiving a nebulizer treatment is an example of subjective data. Subjective data is what the patient tells the nurse about their symptoms, feelings, perceptions, and concerns. The nurse cannot observe or measure the patient’s feeling, but can only rely on the patient’s verbal report.