Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Fetal monitoring
NCLEX: A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for labor with external fetal monitoring. Assessmen…
Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential
Case Study
A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for labor with external fetal monitoring. Assessment data include late decelerations and minimal variability on fetal monitoring. 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. Delegate the initial assessment and clinical judgment to unlicensed assistive personnel.
B. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
C. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
D. Delegate the initial assessment and clinical judgment to unlicensed assistive personnel.
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.
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.