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 take action. Assessment data include the client improves after the initial intervention but develops a new safety concern. Which action should the nurse take first?
Question
A. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
D. Complete nonurgent tasks first because the client appears calm.
Rationale
Correct answer: C. 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: Take action