Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Postpartum assessment
NCLEX: A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for immediate postpartum recovery. Assessment data…
Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential
Case Study
A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for immediate postpartum recovery. Assessment data include blood pressure 88/54 mm Hg, heart rate 128/min, and saturated perineal pads. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?
Question
A. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
B. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.
B. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. 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.
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.