NCLEX: A bedside nurse using barcode medication administration is being evaluated for technology-supported nursing care…

Informatics and healthcare technology Management of Care

Case Study

A bedside nurse using barcode medication administration is being evaluated for technology-supported nursing care and informatics ethics. Assessment data include the electronic health record shows two clients with similar names on the same unit. 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. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
D. Give a blanket answer that everything is fine and continue the prior plan.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Informatics ethics