Question

A charge nurse is reviewing the steps of the nursing process with a group of nurses. Which of the following data should the charge nurse identify as objective data? (Select all that apply.)

A. Respiratory rate is 22/min with even, unlabored respirations
B. The client's partner states, "They said they hurt after walking about 10 mins."
C. The client's pain rating is 3 on a scale of 0 to 10.
D. The client's skin is pink, warm, and dry.
E. The assistive personnel reports that the client walked with a limp.

Answer 1

Objective data in the nursing process consists of externally observable and measurable items such as respiratory rate, skin characteristics, and gait changes. The respiratory rate of 22/min, skin described as pink, warm, and dry, and the report of the client walking with a limp are all examples of objective data.

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge nurse reviewing the steps of the nursing process will identify certain types of data as either subjective or objective. Objective data is information that can be measured or observed by someone other than the patient. In this case:

• Respiratory rate is 22/min with even, unlabored respirations is considered objective because it can be measured and observed externally.
• The client's skin is pink, warm, and dry is also objective data as these are observable characteristics of the skin.
• The assistive personnel reports that the client walked with a limp, which is objective because it is an observable phenomenon.

The other choices provided are examples of subjective data because they rely on the patient's partner's account or the client's self-report on pain which are personal experiences that cannot be externally measured or observed in a direct way by healthcare professionals. Understanding and correctly identifying objective vs subjective data is crucial in the accurate assessment, diagnosis, and care planning for patients.