NCLEX: The nurse manager during a busy day shift is being evaluated for nursing care related to assignment to lpn or rn….

Leadership and management Management of Care

Case Study

The nurse manager during a busy day shift is being evaluated for nursing care related to assignment to lpn or rn. The nurse reviews this trend: creatinine rising from 1.0 to 2.3 mg/dL with decreased urine output. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?

Question

A. Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.
B. Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.
C. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.
D. Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.

Rationale: Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Assignment to LPN or RN