NCLEX: A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to protein structure…

Chemistry or biochemistry basics Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to protein structure and albumin. Assessment data include the client reports dizziness when standing. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
C. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
D. Delegate the initial assessment and clinical judgment to unlicensed assistive personnel.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.

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

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Protein structure and albumin