NCLEX: A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for third-trimester pregnancy. Assessment data incl…

Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for third-trimester pregnancy. Assessment data include decreased fetal movement compared with the client's usual pattern. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.
D. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Prenatal assessment