Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Interviewing and Physical Assessment Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Interviewing and Physical Assessment related questions and content

The client comes to the clinic and says to the nurse, 'I am coming in today to see the doctor because I started having diarrhea 2 days ago and am going six to eight times per day.' How would the nurse document this statement?

  • A. Concern: Client is afraid of becoming dehydrated due to amount of diarrhea.
  • B. Problem: Client is having diarrhea at least six to eight times per day.
  • C. The client is having diarrhea and wants to see the physician.
  • D. Chief complaint: 'Diarrhea began 2 days ago and having six to eight stools per day.'
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The chief complaint is the current reason the client is seeking care. 'Concern' is not a relevant response and is not what the client stated. 'The client is having diarrhea and wants to see the physician' is vague and does not give enough information. 'Problem: Client is having diarrhea' is not appropriate, and not informative documentation.