NCLEX: A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to immune and inflammato…

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 immune and inflammatory response. Assessment data include vital signs change from earlier: blood pressure 94/60 mm Hg and heart rate 112/min. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Question

A. Begin a long lecture while the client is in acute distress.
B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
C. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
D. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. 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.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Immune and inflammatory response