Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Perioperative nursing
NCLEX: A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for postoperative abdominal surgery recovery….
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for postoperative abdominal surgery recovery. Assessment data include temperature 102.2°F (39°C), heart rate 126/min, blood pressure 86/50 mm Hg, and confusion. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?
Question
A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.
D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.
D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.