During a physical examination, the Practical Nurse (PN) discovers that the client demonstrates signs of flushed, dry, hot skin; dry oral mucus membranes; and temperature elevation. The PN will treat these data as the basis of a nursing diagnosis plan, as they represent:

Choice A reason: “I am sure they are all beef hot dogs. Would you like me to get a substitution from the kitchen?” is not the best response by the PN. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not respect the client’s dietary preferences, and may sound patronizing or condescending. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: “I don’t understand why that should make a difference.” is not the best response by the PN. This response shows lack of knowledge, which is a communication barrier that involves being unaware or ignorant of the other person’s culture, beliefs, or values. It also shows indifference, which is a communication barrier that involves showing no interest or concern for the other person’s feelings or situation. It does not respect the client’s dietary preferences, and may sound rude or offensive. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: “So you don’t want anything to eat, then?” is not the best response by the PN. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows sarcasm, which is a communication barrier that involves using irony or mockery to hurt or ridicule the other person. It does not respect the client’s dietary preferences, and may sound hostile or aggressive. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “I respect your dietary preferences. Let me see what else I can offer you.” is the best response by the PN. This response shows respect, which is a value or attitude that involves showing consideration, appreciation, and recognition for the other person as a unique and holistic person. It also shows support, which is a communication technique that involves providing emotional or practical assistance to the other person, and helping them cope with their situation or problem. It respects the client’s dietary preferences, and shows that the PN is caring, helpful, and empathetic. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice A reason: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a framework for prioritizing human needs, but it is not an organized approach for performing a physical examination. A physical examination should be systematic and comprehensive, not based on subjective preferences or assumptions. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: A head-to-toe assessment is an organized approach for performing a physical examination that covers all the major body systems and regions. It allows the nurse to identify any abnormalities or changes in the client’s health status and to document the findings in a consistent manner. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Subjective data collection is the process of obtaining information from the client about their symptoms, feelings, beliefs, and preferences. It is an important part of the nursing assessment, but it is not an organized approach for performing a physical examination. A physical examination requires objective data collection, which involves observing, measuring, and testing the client’s physical signs. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Review of systems is an organized approach for performing a physical examination that focuses on each body system separately and asks specific questions related to its function and problems. It helps the nurse to elicit relevant information from the client and to detect any abnormalities or deviations from normal. Therefore, this choice is correct.