Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Gastrointestinal digestion and absorption
NCLEX: A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to gastrointestinal dige…
Anatomy & Physiology I/II Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. Assessment data include the client reports a new symptom that differs from the baseline assessment. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?
Question
A. Begin a long lecture while the client is in acute distress.
B. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
C. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.
D. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
B. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
C. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.
D. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
Rationale: Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.