NCLEX: A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to neurologic contro…

Anatomy & Physiology I/II Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to neurologic control and level of consciousness. Assessment data include the client refuses a recommended intervention and requests another option. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
C. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
D. Give a blanket answer that everything is fine and continue the prior plan.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. 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.

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Neurologic control and level of consciousness