The patient was admitted with a complaint of abdominal pain. Later the nurse observed the patient demonstrating dyspnea. This change in condition required an assessment called:

A. Exudate – Exudate is fluid rich in proteins and cells that escapes from blood vessels due to inflammation or injury.

B. Pus – Pus is a thick, yellowish-white exudate containing dead cells and bacteria, specifically associated with infection.

C. Drainage – Drainage is a general term for any fluid leaving the body, including exudate, blood, or serous fluid.

D. Discharge – Discharge is a broader term referring to any material exiting the body, including normal secretions and infectious material.

A. A complete physical examination – While a physical examination is part of data collection, the primary goal of a nursing assessment is to guide nursing care rather than conduct a full medical examination.

B. A medical assessment – Medical assessments are conducted by physicians to diagnose diseases, while nursing assessments focus on holistic patient care.

C. Writing nursing orders – Nursing orders are based on the care plan but do not encompass the entire purpose of the assessment.

D. An individualized plan of care – The primary purpose of a nursing assessment is to collect data to create a care plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.