NCLEX: A 63-year-old client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for nursing care related to malnutrition scre…

Nutrition Basic Care and Comfort

Case Study

A 63-year-old client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for nursing care related to malnutrition screening. Assessment data include the client has heart failure, 2+ edema, and a 2 kg weight gain in 24 hours. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

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

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Malnutrition screening