Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Gastrointestinal disorders
NCLEX: A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for partial bowel obstruction. Assessment data…
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for partial bowel obstruction. Assessment data include the client reports sudden sharp chest pain and respirations 32/min after surgery. Which documentation should the nurse record to best support safe care and communication?
Question
A. "Client fine; no changes noted."
B. Copied yesterday's note without updating current assessment data.
C. Objective assessment findings, nursing actions taken, client response, and provider notification when indicated.
D. Subjective opinions only without measurable findings.
B. Copied yesterday's note without updating current assessment data.
C. Objective assessment findings, nursing actions taken, client response, and provider notification when indicated.
D. Subjective opinions only without measurable findings.
Rationale
Correct answer: C. Objective assessment findings, nursing actions taken, client response, and provider notification when indicated.
Rationale: Safe documentation is specific, objective, and reflects assessment, intervention, response, and escalation when needed.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Safe documentation is specific, objective, and reflects assessment, intervention, response, and escalation when needed.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.