Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Hygiene and comfort
NCLEX: A 55-year-old client after abdominal surgery is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comfort….
Nursing fundamentals Basic Care and Comfort Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
Case Study
A 55-year-old client after abdominal surgery is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comfort. The nurse reviews this trend: creatinine rising from 1.0 to 2.3 mg/dL with decreased urine output. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?
Question
A. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.
B. Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.
C. Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.
D. Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.
B. Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.
C. Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.
D. Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.
Rationale: Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.