The nurse is preparing to complete a physical examination on a client.

The nurse is preparing to complete a physical examination on a client. What should the nurse realize as being the purpose for this examination?

1. Obtain baseline data.
2. Obtain data to help determine nursing diagnoses.
3. Identify areas for disease prevention.
4. Identify the client’s employment status.
5. Obtain data about the client’s leisure activities.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
Rationale 1: One purpose of the physical examination is to obtain baseline data.
Rationale 2: One purpose of the physical examination is to obtain data to help determine nursing diagnoses.
Rationale 3: One purpose of the physical examination is to identify areas for disease prevention.
Rationale 4: The physical examination is not done to identify the client’s employment status.
Rationale 5: The physical examination is not done to obtain data about a client’s leisure activities.