NCLEX: A 73-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to buffers and bicarbonate….

Chemistry or biochemistry basics Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 73-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to buffers and bicarbonate. Assessment data include the client refuses a recommended intervention and requests another option. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?

Question

A. A stable, long-standing finding that matches the expected care plan.
B. A comfort request with unchanged vital signs and no new symptoms.
C. Routine data unchanged from the prior assessment.
D. The new finding that the client refuses a recommended intervention and requests another option.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. The new finding that the client refuses a recommended intervention and requests another option.

Rationale: Follow-up items test whether the nurse recognizes cues that are new, acute, or inconsistent with stability and need prompt nursing action.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Buffers and bicarbonate