Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Hypoxia and impaired gas exchange
NCLEX: A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impai…
Pathophysiology Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. Assessment data include hemoglobin 6.8 g/dL with pallor and hypotension 90/55 mm Hg. 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. Complete nonurgent tasks first because the client appears calm.
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. Complete nonurgent tasks first because the client appears calm.
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.
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.