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

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 justice and fairness. Assessment data include provider order for a medication the client is allergic to on the chart. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Complete nonurgent tasks first because the client appears calm.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.

Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Justice and fairness