Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Perioperative nursing
NCLEX: A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for postoperative abdominal surgery recovery….
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for postoperative abdominal surgery recovery. Assessment data include the client reports sudden sharp chest pain and respirations 32/min after surgery. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?
Question
A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. 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.
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.