Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Respiratory disorders
NCLEX: A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for pneumonia with increased work of breathin…
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for pneumonia with increased work of breathing. Assessment data include temperature 102.2°F (39°C), heart rate 126/min, blood pressure 86/50 mm Hg, and confusion. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?
Question
A. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
B. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
C. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
D. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.
B. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
C. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
D. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.