Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Hematologic disorders
NCLEX: A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for pancytopenia after chemotherapy. Assessmen…
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 59-year-old client in the intensive care unit is being evaluated for pancytopenia after chemotherapy. Assessment data include the client reports worst headache of life with neck stiffness. Which documentation should the nurse record to best support safe care and communication?
Question
A. "Client fine; no changes noted."
B. Objective assessment findings, nursing actions taken, client response, and provider notification when indicated.
C. Copied yesterday's note without updating current assessment data.
D. Subjective opinions only without measurable findings.
B. Objective assessment findings, nursing actions taken, client response, and provider notification when indicated.
C. Copied yesterday's note without updating current assessment data.
D. Subjective opinions only without measurable findings.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. Objective assessment findings, nursing actions taken, client response, and provider notification when indicated.
Rationale: Safe documentation is specific, objective, and reflects assessment, intervention, response, and escalation when needed.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Safe documentation is specific, objective, and reflects assessment, intervention, response, and escalation when needed.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.