Question

The nurse is admitting a patient for surgery. The patient is twisting a handkerchief over and over while saying, Im going to have a little mole removed. Im not worried. The surgery will take only an hour, and then I will go home. Ive never been sick a day in my life, so Ill be fine. The nurse finds the following during her physical assessment: blood pressure is 150/90; temperature is 98.6 F; pulse is 88 beats per minute; respiration is 20 breaths per minute; black, brown, and red pigmented pea-sized raised area on her shoulder. Which of the above information would be considered objective data? (Select all that apply.) a) Blood pressure reading of 150/90

b) Temperature of 98.6 F
c) Pulse rate of 88 beats per minute
d) Patient's statement about surgery and health history

Answer 1

Objective data from the patient's assessment includes the blood pressure reading, temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and the observation of a pigmented area on the shoulder. These are measurable and observable facts. The patient's statements about their surgery and health history are subjective and not considered objective data.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient’s physical assessment includes both objective data and subjective statements. Objective data is factual and can be directly observed or measured by the healthcare provider. In this case, the objective data includes:

• Blood pressure reading of 150/90
• Temperature of 98.6 F
• Pulse rate of 88 beats per minute
• Respiration rate of 20 breaths per minute
• Observation of a black, brown, and red pigmented pea-sized raised area on the shoulder

On the other hand, the patient's statement about the surgery and health history is considered subjective data because it is based on the patient’s personal feelings, opinions, or perspectives and is not directly measurable. For example, saying, “I’m not worried,” is a subjective statement.