NCLEX: A 6-month-old infant at a well-child visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for infant developme…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A 6-month-old infant at a well-child visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for infant development. Assessment data include the caregiver reports no social smile by 4 months. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Administer the next scheduled intervention before reassessing the client.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.

Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Infant development