Which statement best describes a change of shift report?

Which statement best describes a change of shift report?

• A. It is always delivered via audiotape only
• B. It should include background info, health problem, and significant subjective and objective info
• C. It should contain gossip and personal opinions
• D. It focuses only on medication administration

Answer: (B)

Change of shift reports are concise, structured handoffs that communicate a patient’s current status and plan to the next nurse to ensure safe continuity of care. The best statement reflects that background information, the active health problem, and the most significant subjective and objective data are included, so the oncoming nurse understands who the patient is, what issues require attention now, and what has been observed and done. Background information provides context such as diagnosis, allergies, baseline function, and recent interventions; the health problem section highlights current issues needing action; subjective data include what the patient or family reports, while objective data include vitals, exam findings, labs, and responses to treatments. This combination supports safe transitions by clarifying priorities, anticipated changes, and pending tasks. Reports should be free of gossip or personal opinions and should not focus only on medication administration, and they are not limited to a single delivery method; the emphasis is on timely, accurate, and relevant information that facilitates continuity of care.

Change of shift reports are concise, structured handoffs that communicate a patient’s current status and plan to the next nurse to ensure safe continuity of care. The best statement reflects that background information, the active health problem, and the most significant subjective and objective data are included, so the oncoming nurse understands who the patient is, what issues require attention now, and what has been observed and done. Background information provides context such as diagnosis, allergies, baseline function, and recent interventions; the health problem section highlights current issues needing action; subjective data include what the patient or family reports, while objective data include vitals, exam findings, labs, and responses to treatments. This combination supports safe transitions by clarifying priorities, anticipated changes, and pending tasks. Reports should be free of gossip or personal opinions and should not focus only on medication administration, and they are not limited to a single delivery method; the emphasis is on timely, accurate, and relevant information that facilitates continuity of care.