NCLEX: A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to shock states. Ass…

Pathophysiology Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to shock states. Assessment data include the client reports sudden sharp chest pain and respirations 32/min after surgery. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
C. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
D. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.

Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Shock states