NCLEX: A 55-year-old client after abdominal surgery is being evaluated for nursing care related to documentation fundame…
Nursing fundamentalsBasic Care and ComfortSafety and Infection Prevention and Control
Case Study
A 55-year-old client after abdominal surgery is being evaluated for nursing care related to documentation fundamentals. Assessment data include respiratory rate 8/min, shallow breathing, and SpO2 86% on room air. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?
Question
A. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
B. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
C. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."
D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
Rationale
Correct answer: D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.