Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Oncology care
NCLEX: A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for neutropenia during chemotherapy. Assessment d…
Adult health / medical-surgical nursing Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for neutropenia during chemotherapy. Assessment data include surgical incision with purulent drainage and fever 101.5°F (38.6°C). Which nursing action should the nurse take first?
Question
A. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
B. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
B. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.