Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Cardiovascular assessment
NCLEX: A 49-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for cardiovascular assessment during hospital…
Health assessment Clinical Judgment Reduction of Risk Potential
Case Study
A 49-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for cardiovascular assessment during hospitalization. Assessment data include pain 9/10 and guards the abdomen after surgery. Using the clinical judgment model, what is the nurse's first step?
Question
A. Implement the first intervention on the existing care plan without reviewing new data.
B. Evaluate discharge readiness before addressing acute findings.
C. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.
D. Document the assessment at the end of the shift and continue the prior plan.
B. Evaluate discharge readiness before addressing acute findings.
C. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.
D. Document the assessment at the end of the shift and continue the prior plan.
Rationale
Correct answer: C. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.
Rationale: NCSBN clinical judgment begins with recognizing and analyzing cues before taking action or evaluating outcomes.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: NCSBN clinical judgment begins with recognizing and analyzing cues before taking action or evaluating outcomes.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.