Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Musculoskeletal assessment
NCLEX: A 49-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for musculoskeletal assessment during hospita…
Health assessment Reduction of Risk Potential
Case Study
A 49-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for musculoskeletal assessment during hospitalization. Assessment data include pain 9/10 and guards the abdomen after surgery. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?
Question
A. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
B. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
B. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. 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.