NCLEX: A 70-year-old client in a rehabilitation facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to elimination. Ass…

Nursing fundamentals Basic Care and Comfort Clinical Judgment Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 70-year-old client in a rehabilitation facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to elimination. Assessment data include respiratory rate 8/min, shallow breathing, and SpO2 86% on room air. Using the clinical judgment model, what is the nurse's first step?

Question

A. Implement the first intervention on the existing care plan without reviewing new data.
B. Evaluate discharge readiness before addressing acute findings.
C. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.
D. Document the assessment at the end of the shift and continue the prior plan.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.

Rationale: NCSBN clinical judgment begins with recognizing and analyzing cues before taking action or evaluating outcomes.

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

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Elimination