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 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. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.

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.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Breastfeeding support