Clinical judgment / Next Gen NCLEX case studies Clinical Judgment
Case Study
An RN prioritizing care after a change in status is being evaluated for unfolding changes in a case study. Assessment data include new vital signs show blood pressure 88/50 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, and increasing confusion. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?
Question
A. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
B. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
C. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
D. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."
Rationale
Correct answer: C. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Recognize cues