NCLEX: A 58-year-old client after a stroke is being evaluated for nursing care related to renal and cardiac diet pattern…

Nutrition Basic Care and Comfort

Case Study

A 58-year-old client after a stroke is being evaluated for nursing care related to renal and cardiac diet patterns. Assessment data include the client coughs when drinking thin liquids and has wet vocal quality after swallowing. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
C. Administer the next scheduled intervention before reassessing the client.
D. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. 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.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Renal and cardiac diet patterns