A patient roughly asks the nurse to bring him some ice cream. An assertive response by the nurse is:

Choice A reason: Symptoms are subjective data that are reported by the client, such as pain, nausea, or fatigue. They are not observable or measurable by the nurse, and they may vary depending on the client’s perception or expression. The data that the PN discovered are not symptoms, but objective data that are observed or measured by the nurse, such as skin condition, oral mucus membranes, and temperature. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Urinary retention is a condition in which the client is unable to empty the bladder completely or at all. It can cause symptoms such as difficulty or pain in urinating, frequent or urgent urination, or abdominal distension. It can also lead to complications such as infection, kidney damage, or bladder rupture. The data that the PN discovered are not related to urinary retention, but to dehydration or fever. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Signs of fluid overload are objective data that indicate excess fluid in the body, such as edema, weight gain, crackles in the lungs, or elevated blood pressure. They can result from conditions such as heart failure,

kidney failure, or liver cirrhosis. The data that the PN discovered are not signs of fluid overload, but signs of fluid deficit or heat stroke. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Data clustering is a process of grouping related data together to form a meaningful patern that can support a nursing diagnosis. It can help the nurse to identify the client’s problems, needs, or risks, and to prioritize and plan interventions accordingly. The data that the PN discovered are an example of data clustering, as they represent a patern of signs that indicate a possible problem such as dehydration or fever. Therefore, this choice is correct.

D) “I understand that you would like some ice cream, but I need you to be more respectful when you ask me for something.” This is an assertive response because it acknowledges the patient’s request, expresses the nurse’s feelings, and sets a clear boundary for acceptable behavior. Assertiveness is the ability to communicate one’s needs, opinions, and feelings in a respectful and confident manner.

“You are hungry and want a snack. I can do that in 10 minutes when I finish my rounds.” is incorrect. This is a passive response because it does not address the patient’s rudeness or assert the nurse’s rights. Passive communication is the tendency to avoid conflict, suppress one’s feelings, and comply with others’ demands.

“Maybe I can get one of the aides to bring you something in a while.” is incorrect. This is an evasive response because it does not commit to fulfilling the patient’s request or confronting the patient’s attitude. Evasive communication is the tendency to avoid responsibility, give vague answers, and shift blame to others.

“Call the nursing station and ask them to have the kitchen bring whatever you want.” is incorrect. This is an aggressive response because it rejects the patient’s request, shows irritation, and implies that the nurse does not care about the patient’s needs. Aggressive communication is the tendency to dominate, criticize, and blame others.