The primary source of information when completing an assessment of a c

The primary source of information when completing an assessment of a client that is alert and oriented as he is admitted to the medical center for diagnostic testing is the:

1. Client
2. Physician
3. Family member
4. Experienced unit nurse

ANSWER

ANS: 1
A client is usually the best source of information. The client who is oriented and answers ques-tions appropriately can provide the most accurate information about health care needs, lifestyle patterns, present and past illnesses, perception of symptoms, and changes in activities of daily living. The physician may have knowledge of the client’s medical problem, but the client is the primary source of information for completing an assessment. Family members can be interviewed as primary sources of information about infants or children or critically ill, mentally handicapped, disoriented, or unconscious clients. Usually, however, they are secondary sources of information and can confirm findings provided by the client. The client in this situation is capable of being the primary source of information. An experienced nurse on the unit may offer insight into a cli-ent’s health care needs and care, but is not the primary source of information when completing a client assessment.