NCLEX: A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to grief and coping. Assessment data…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to grief and coping. Assessment data include the client states, "I don't want to live anymore" and has a plan with access to means. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Question

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

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Grief and coping