Final answer:
Shortness of breath, elevated temperature, hypoactive bowel sounds, RBC count, and reports of pain are examples of 'as manifested by' or defining characteristics in a nursing diagnostic statement, which include objective and subjective data collected to support a diagnosis. The correct option is a) as manifested (evidence) by (defining characteristics)
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question regarding 'shortness of breath, temperature 100.4, hypoactive bowel sounds x4, RBC 4.6, and statements of pain' pertains to the components of a nursing diagnostic statement. These components are examples of evidence or defining characteristics that support the diagnosis.
These are the observable and measurable signs or symptoms that reflect the existence of a health condition. In the context of nursing, the term used to describe these observations is 'as manifested by (evidence) by (defining characteristics).' This part of the diagnostic statement describes the client's health status as indicated by data collected through assessment.
Signs of diseases, such as elevated body temperatures and abnormal red blood cell (RBC) counts, are objective and measurable, whereas symptoms, like pain, are subjective and require self-reporting by the patient. Pain can sometimes be quantified using scales such as the Wong-Baker Faces pain-rating scale, which assists nurses and other health professionals in assessing the severity of the symptom.
The correct option is a) as manifested (evidence) by (defining characteristics).