NCLEX: A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for breastfeeding initiation. Assessment data incl…

Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for breastfeeding initiation. Assessment data include the client reports nipple pain and the newborn falls asleep after 2 minutes at the breast. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
D. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Breastfeeding support