NCLEX: A 39-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to autonomy and info…

Ethics, legal nursing, delegation, prioritization Management of Care

Case Study

A 39-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to autonomy and informed consent. Assessment data include telephone order received for a high-risk IV medication. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?

Question

A. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
B. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
C. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."
D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."

Rationale

Correct answer: D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."

Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Autonomy and informed consent