NCLEX: A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for neutropenia during chemotherapy. Assessmen…

Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for neutropenia during chemotherapy. Assessment data include urine output 15 mL/hr for 2 hours with rising creatinine. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Question

A. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
B. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.

Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Oncology care