When obtaining subjective assessment data, the nurse recognizes which

When obtaining subjective assessment data, the nurse recognizes which of the following client scenarios as being the most likely to produce accurate, credible information?

1. A 50-year-old in the ED reporting chest pain
2. A 70-year-old admitted with fever of unknown origin
3. A 81-year-old receiving follow-up treatment for a hip replacement
4. A 22-year-old being treated at a clinic for a sexually transmitted disease

ANSWER

ANS: 3
This option where the 81-year-old is receiving follow-up treatment for a hip replacement presents a client who is not necessarily experiencing pain, embarrassment, guilt, or any other emo-tion/factor that would inhibit the free communication of subjective symptom data. The 50-year-old client is experiencing pain; this is likely to inhibit the communication process. The 70-year-old client is febrile; this could interfere with the communication process, especially for an older adult because it may cause confusion and the 22-year-old client may be experiencing guilt and/or embarrassment; both may interfere with the communication process.