NCLEX: A 73-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to protein structure and alb…

Chemistry or biochemistry basics Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 73-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to protein structure and albumin. Assessment data include the nurse notes an unexpected finding during routine assessment. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene immediately?

Question

A. A stable, long-standing finding that matches the expected care plan.
B. A comfort request with unchanged vital signs and no new symptoms.
C. Routine data unchanged from the prior assessment.
D. The new finding that the nurse notes an unexpected finding during routine assessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. The new finding that the nurse notes an unexpected finding during routine assessment.

Rationale: Follow-up items test whether the nurse recognizes cues that are new, acute, or inconsistent with stability and need prompt nursing action.

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

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Protein structure and albumin