NCLEX: A new graduate nurse working with a preceptor is being evaluated for transition-to-practice skills and pre-clinic…

Professional nursing practice (clinical transition) Management of Care

Case Study

A new graduate nurse working with a preceptor is being evaluated for transition-to-practice skills and pre-clinical preparation. Assessment data include the preceptor stops a medication pass because the student did not verify two identifiers. 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. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.

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: Pre-clinical preparation