NCLEX: A 44-year-old client in airborne isolation is being evaluated for nursing care related to bacteria, viruses, fung…

Microbiology Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 44-year-old client in airborne isolation is being evaluated for nursing care related to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Assessment data include productive cough for 2 weeks with night sweats and hemoptysis. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Question

A. Begin a long lecture while the client is in acute distress.
B. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
C. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.
D. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.

Rationale: Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites