NCLEX: The charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to delegation to assistiv…

Leadership and management Management of Care

Case Study

The charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to delegation to assistive personnel. Assessment data include family requests lab results by phone without verified authorization. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Give a blanket answer that everything is fine and continue the prior plan.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. 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: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Delegation to assistive personnel