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

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 capstone transition. Assessment data include time-sensitive medications are due while one assigned client reports new chest pain. 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. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.
D. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Capstone transition