Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Prioritize hypotheses
NCLEX: An RN prioritizing care after a change in status is being evaluated for nursing care related to prioritize hypoth…
Clinical judgment / Next Gen NCLEX case studies Clinical Judgment
Case Study
An RN prioritizing care after a change in status is being evaluated for nursing care related to prioritize hypotheses. Assessment data include the medication record, labs, and assessment notes contain conflicting cues. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?
Question
A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
Rationale
Correct answer: C. 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.
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.