Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Priority setting
NCLEX: A 39-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to priority setting….
Ethics, legal nursing, delegation, prioritization Management of Care
Case Study
A 39-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to priority setting. Assessment data include new chest pain rated 8/10 with diaphoresis. 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.
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.
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.