When charting changes in a person's condition, what additional information is necessary to include?

When charting changes in a person's condition, including the timing of when the changes were reported to the nurse is crucial. This information is essential because it provides a clear timeline for the healthcare team, ensuring that everyone is aware of when the changes were observed and can act accordingly. Documenting this information helps maintain continuity of care and aids in the timely response to the patient's needs.

Including the time of report allows for better tracking of the patient's condition over time, ensuring that all staff members are informed and can make decisions based on the most current information. It also serves as a legal record that can be referenced if questions arise regarding the care provided.

The other options, while they might contribute to a fuller understanding of the patient's overall situation, do not have the same critical impact on immediate care decisions and safety as the time of reporting changes do. Patient mood can be relevant but is subjective and less direct. Family members’ opinions provide context but do not substitute for clinical observations. Previous medical history is important for context but does not pertain specifically to the changes in condition being documented.