Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Dysphagia and aspiration risk
NCLEX: A 79-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to dysphagia and aspi…
Nutrition Basic Care and Comfort
Case Study
A 79-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to dysphagia and aspiration risk. Assessment data include the client has 6% unintentional weight loss in 1 month and albumin 2.8 g/dL. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?
Question
A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
C. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
D. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.