Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Substance use disorders
NCLEX: A 42-year-old client in a crisis stabilization unit is being evaluated for alcohol withdrawal risk. Assessment da…
Psychiatric / mental health nursing Psychosocial Integrity
Case Study
A 42-year-old client in a crisis stabilization unit is being evaluated for alcohol withdrawal risk. Assessment data include the client is withdrawn, flat affect, and refusing meals for 2 days. 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.
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.
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.