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: This is incorrect because placing soiled linens in the dirty linen receptacle can expose other clients and staff to the hepatitis virus, which can be transmited through blood and body fluids.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because placing soiled linens on the floor can create a safety hazard and a potential source of infection for anyone who comes in contact with them.

Choice C reason: This is correct because placing soiled linens in a plastic bag that has the contamination symbol can prevent the spread of infection and alert the laundry department to handle them with caution.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because placing soiled linens in the hazardous waste receptacle can waste resources and violate the regulations for disposing of hazardous materials.

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.