NCLEX: A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for well-child care. Assessment data include pare…

Pediatric nursing Clinical Judgment Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for well-child care. Assessment data include parents report decreased wet diapers and lethargy over 24 hours. Using the clinical judgment model, what is the nurse's first step?

Question

A. Implement the first intervention on the existing care plan without reviewing new data.
B. Evaluate discharge readiness before addressing acute findings.
C. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.
D. Document the assessment at the end of the shift and continue the prior plan.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.

Rationale: NCSBN clinical judgment begins with recognizing and analyzing cues before taking action or evaluating outcomes.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Growth and development