Patient evaluation using objective and subjective data
QUESTION
As nurses, we spend a lot of time evaluating our patients. Using subjective and objective observation to complete assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation is very important (Potter, et al., 2017). How do you evaluate and combine the various pieces of data? What is the outcome of this process?
Professor Sherman
Potter, P. A., Perry, A.G., Hall, A., & Stockert, P.A. (2017). Fundamentals of Nursing (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
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Patient evaluation using objective and subjective data
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Patient evaluation using objective and subjective data
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Patient evaluation using objective and subjective data
Patient evaluation is one of the critical aspects of the nursing process. Through objective and subjective data, Registered Nurses can observe and analyze the patients to provide an accurate diagnosis. Objective data in the nursing field is characterized by data collection through observation using the five senses. This information may either be an observation or estimation or measurement. Registered Nurses can also obtain this information through laboratory testing and physical examination. For instance, assessing an individual’s temperature is an example of objective data.
Alternatively, subjective data is that which is collected through the patient’s account. The information depicts primary data often considering their perspectivesuch as; perceptions and feelings, through examination interviews. Other examples of subjective data include the blood pressure, scars on the body or wounds, respiration, and heart rate (Potter, et al., 2017).
Therefore, after a fine collection of subjective and objective data, nurses analyze and provide a perfect diagnosis, design the treatment plans, and implement them. The various data pieces are often combined to understand the symptom and signs as one can see them and through the patients’ reflection. Therefore, the emphasis is put on an accurate collection of these data to provide a more accurate evidence-based solution to the condition (Jarvis, 2018).
The outcome of collecting this data is moving through the nursing process to provide the patient with the appropriate treatment plans. By drawing from physical examinations, the patient’s experience or account, nurses can combine the symptoms and match them with accurate diagnoses that promote positive patient outcomes.
References
Potter, P. A., Perry, A.G., Hall, A., & Stockert, P.A. (2017). Fundamentals of Nursing (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
Jarvis, C. (2018). Physical Examination and Health Assessment-Canadian E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.