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. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Priority setting