NCLEX: A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to acids, bases, and ph….

Chemistry or biochemistry basics Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to acids, bases, and ph. Assessment data include a family member reports the client seems confused since this morning. Which error is most dangerous on the NCLEX and in practice?

Question

A. Teaching the client after stability is confirmed.
B. Reassessing the client after an appropriate intervention.
C. Choosing an intervention before identifying assessment cues and immediate safety risk.
D. Using SBAR to notify the provider about abnormal findings.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Choosing an intervention before identifying assessment cues and immediate safety risk.

Rationale: The most dangerous NCLEX trap is treating before assessing, which can miss life-threatening deterioration.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Acids, bases, and pH