A newly hired nurse is participating in the orientation program for the health care facility. Part of the orientation focuses on the use of the SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, and plan) method for documentation, which the facility uses. The nurse demonstrates understanding of this method by identifying which of the following as the first step?
A) Plan of care
B) Data, action, and response
C) Problem selected
D) Nursing activities during a shift

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first step in the SOAP method is to select the problem, which is subjective and based on the patient's complaints or concerns. This is followed by recording objective data, such as vital signs and physical examination findings, then making an assessment of the problem based on the subjective and objective data. Finally, a plan of care is developed to address the identified problem. The other options do not follow the correct sequence for the SOAP method.

A Newly Hired Nurse Is Participating in the Orientation Program