NCLEX: A 34-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for transfer from another facility with multiple home…

Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Case Study

A 34-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for transfer from another facility with multiple home medications. Assessment data include bleeding from the IV site and platelets below the ordered threshold. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Give a blanket answer that everything is fine and continue the prior plan.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.

Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Medication reconciliation