Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Pain basics
NCLEX: An 82-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to pain basics. Asse…
Nursing fundamentals Basic Care and Comfort Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
Case Study
An 82-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to pain basics. Assessment data include blood pressure 180/102 mm Hg with headache and blurred vision. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?
Question
A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
C. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
B. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
C. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
Rationale
Correct answer: C. 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.