A nurse has worked in the trauma critical care area for several years.

A nurse has worked in the trauma critical care area for several years. Which of the following noises may become indiscriminate for this particular nurse?

1. A client with audible breathing
2. Moaning of a client in pain
3. Whirring of ventilators
4. Co-workers discussing their clients’ conditions

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Nurses often need to focus on specific data in order not to be overwhelmed by a multitude of data. Observing involves discriminating data in a meaningful manner (i.e., noticing things that may indicate cause for concern or action on the nurse’s part). Listening to a client’s breathing helps the nurse become attentive to changes in breathing patterns.