NCLEX: The charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to incident reporting. As…

Leadership and management Management of Care

Case Study

The charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to incident reporting. Assessment data include new chest pain rated 8/10 with diaphoresis. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Question

A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
C. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.

Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.

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

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Incident reporting