Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Perioperative nursing
NCLEX: A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for postoperative abdominal surgery recovery. Ass…
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for postoperative abdominal surgery recovery. Assessment data include urine output 15 mL/hr for 2 hours with rising creatinine. 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. Administer the next scheduled intervention before reassessing 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. Administer the next scheduled intervention before reassessing the client.
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.
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.