NCLEX: An RN prioritizing care after a change in status is being evaluated for nursing care related to evaluate outcomes…

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 evaluate outcomes. Assessment data include new vital signs show blood pressure 88/50 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, and increasing confusion. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Question

A. Begin a long lecture while the client is in acute distress.
B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
C. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
D. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.

Rationale: Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.

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

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Evaluate outcomes