Clinical judgment / Next Gen NCLEX case studies Clinical Judgment
Case Study
A client in an unfolding case study is being evaluated for nursing care related to analyze cues. Assessment data include the exhibit shows rising oxygen needs, new crackles, and decreasing urine output. 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. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.
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: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Analyze cues