Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone abdominal surgery. The patient informs the nurse of discomfort in the abdomen and is unable to turn to the left side. The nurse finds that the patient has a temperature of 100.2° F, a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute, and a heart rate of 98 beats/minute. Which data should the nurse chart under the O in SOAP charting? Select all that apply.

1) Temperature 100.2° F
2) Discomfort in the abdomen
3) Inability to turn sides
4) Respiratory rate 28 breaths/minute
5) Heart rate 98 beats/minute

Answer 1

The nurse should chart the temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate under the O in SOAP charting, which are objective measurements of the patient's condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should chart the following data under the O in SOAP charting:

1. Temperature 100.2°F: This is an objective measurement and an important vital sign that indicates the patient's condition.
2. Respiratory rate 28 breaths/minute: Another vital sign that provides information about the patient's breathing.
3. Heart rate 98 beats/minute: A vital sign that reflects the patient's cardiovascular function.

The discomfort in the abdomen and the inability to turn to the left side should be charted under the S for Subjective in SOAP charting, as they are the patient's self-reported symptoms.