NCLEX: An 82-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to documentation fun…

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 documentation fundamentals. Assessment data include the client reports no sleep and increasing agitation overnight. Which action is appropriate within the RN scope of practice?

Question

A. Independently diagnose the medical disease and prescribe treatment.
B. Prescribe new medications without a provider order.
C. Delegate nursing assessment and evaluation on an unstable client.
D. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.

Rationale: RNs assess, coordinate care, teach, and evaluate. Diagnosis and prescribing are provider responsibilities.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Documentation fundamentals