Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: General survey
NCLEX: A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to general survey. Asses…
Health assessment Reduction of Risk Potential
Case Study
A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to general survey. Assessment data include pain 9/10 and guards the abdomen after surgery. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?
Question
A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.