Question

An older adult patient with a history of type II diabetes presents for a follow-up visit after a melanoma removed from his cheek. He weighs 90 lb, has a BP of 90/60, and states he feels fatigued. During the physical examination, she notes the surgical incision is healing well without infection, but finds an unhealed pressure ulcer on the patient's right elbow. What objective data can the nurse collect?

Select all that apply.
a) Fatigue
b) BP of 90/60
c) Presence of wound on elbow
d) History of Type II diabetese
e) Weight loss

Answer 1

The nurse can objectively collect data on the patient's blood pressure (BP of 90/60), the presence of a wound on the elbow, and the patient's weight loss. Fatigue and a history of Type II diabetes are not considered objective data in this context.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is regarding the objective data that can be collected by the nurse from an older adult patient with a history of type II diabetes who has just had a melanoma removed and is presenting with various symptoms and findings. Objective data are based on measurable and observable facts. In this context, the objective data that the nurse can collect include:

• BP of 90/60: This is a quantifiable measure of the patient's blood pressure and is considered objective data.
• Presence of wound on elbow: The existence of an unhealed pressure ulcer on the patient's elbow is a visible physical finding and thus is objective data.
• Weight loss: The patient's weight can be measured and compared to previous data to confirm weight loss, which is objective data.

Subjective data are based on a patient's experiences and feelings, such as the sensation of fatigue. The history of Type II diabetes, while an important part of the patient's medical history, is also not part of the objective data to be collected during this follow-up visit.