NCLEX: A 48-year-old client at an annual wellness visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for middle adu…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A 48-year-old client at an annual wellness visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for middle adult development. Assessment data include the client is overdue for recommended cancer screening. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Question

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

Rationale

Correct answer: A. 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: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Middle adult development