NCLEX: Four clients need care: (1) new chest pain, (2) request for warm blanket, (3) scheduled oral antibiotic due now,…

Leadership and management Management of Care

Case Study

Four clients need care: (1) new chest pain, (2) request for warm blanket, (3) scheduled oral antibiotic due now, (4) stable post-op teaching. Who should the nurse see first?

Question

A. The client with new chest pain.
B. The client requesting a warm blanket.
C. The client due for the oral antibiotic only.
D. The postoperative client ready for discharge teaching.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. The client with new chest pain.

Rationale: Potentially life-threatening chest pain takes priority over comfort, routine medications on stable clients, and teaching.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Prioritization frameworks