NCLEX: A 55-year-old client after abdominal surgery is being evaluated for nursing care related to documentation fundame…

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 documentation fundamentals. Assessment data include respiratory rate 8/min, shallow breathing, and SpO2 86% on room air. Which intervention best reduces the client's risk of complications?

Question

A. Restrict all movement without individualized assessment.
B. Delay teaching until the day of discharge only.
C. Ignore small changes until they become severe.
D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale: Risk reduction focuses on early identification, prevention, teaching, and reassessment rather than unnecessary restriction or delay.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Documentation fundamentals