A nurse is completing a client’s assessment.
Which of the following should the nurse consider as objective data?

Choice A rationale
Reporting unusual lung sounds requires assessment skills that are beyond the scope of practice for an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). UAPs are not trained to interpret or evaluate clinical data, which is essential for identifying unusual lung sounds. This task should be performed by a licensed nurse who can accurately assess and respond to the findings.
Choice B rationale
Providing assistance with morning care is within the scope of practice for UAPs. This task involves helping the patient with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, which do not require clinical judgment or assessment skills. It is a routine task that UAPs are trained to perform safely and effectively.
Choice C rationale
Teaching the patient about a heart-healthy diet involves providing education and requires a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical condition and dietary needs. This task should be performed by a licensed nurse or dietitian who has the knowledge and skills to provide accurate and comprehensive education.
Choice D rationale
Checking the client’s blood pressure medication involves administering medication, which is outside the scope of practice for UAPs. Medication administration requires knowledge of pharmacology, the ability to assess the patient’s response to the medication, and the ability to recognize and respond to potential side effects. This task should be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice A rationale
Asking the family member to provide identification does not ensure that the caller is authorized to receive patient information. Even with identification, the nurse cannot verify the caller’s relationship to the patient or their authorization to access confidential information.
Choice B rationale
Not providing any information over the phone is the correct action to protect patient confidentiality. Healthcare providers must ensure that patient information is only shared with authorized individuals, and phone calls do not provide a secure method for verifying the caller’s identity.
Choice C rationale
Providing only publicly available information is not appropriate, as it still involves sharing patient-related details without proper verification. Any disclosure of patient information, even if minimal, must be done with caution and proper authorization.
Choice D rationale
Informing the family member that they need to visit in person is a better approach, but it still does not guarantee that the individual is authorized to receive patient information. The nurse should follow established protocols for verifying authorization before sharing any details.