NCLEX: A 79-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to diabetes nutrition…

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 diabetes nutrition teaching. Assessment data include the client has heart failure, 2+ edema, and a 2 kg weight gain in 24 hours. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

A. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
B. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
C. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
D. Apply restraints without assessing less restrictive safety options first.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Diabetes nutrition teaching