NCLEX: A 70-year-old client in a rehabilitation facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to mobility and pos…

Nursing fundamentals Basic Care and Comfort Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 70-year-old client in a rehabilitation facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to mobility and positioning. Assessment data include temperature 100.8°F (38.2°C) with rigors and chills. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Administer the next scheduled intervention before reassessing the client.
D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.

Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Mobility and positioning