NCLEX: A 58-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to autonomy and informed con…

Ethics, legal nursing, delegation, prioritization Management of Care

Case Study

A 58-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to autonomy and informed consent. Assessment data include UAP reports the client fell in the bathroom. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
C. Administer the next scheduled intervention before reassessing the client.
D. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.

Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Autonomy and informed consent