A 53-year-old client is seen at the clinic for a yearly physical exami

A 53-year-old client is seen at the clinic for a yearly physical examination. In evaluating the cli-ent’s weight, the nurse also considers the age and height. This is an example of:

1. Defining the client problem
2. Recognizing gaps in data assessment
3. Comparing data with normal health patterns
4. Drawing conclusions about the client’s response

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The nurse uses scientific knowledge and experience to analyze and interpret data collected about the client. This includes comparing the data with norms. The nurse is comparing data to deter-mine if there is a problem. A problem has not yet been identified. The nurse is not recognizing gaps in data assessment. An example of a gap in data assessment would be if the client’s weight had not been measured. The nurse has not drawn a conclusion about the client’s response. The nurse must first compare the data with normal health problems to be able to arrive at a conclu-sion.