NCLEX: A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to stress response. 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 stress response. Assessment data include the client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Question

A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.

Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Stress response