NCLEX: A 63-year-old client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for nursing care related to malnutrition scre…

Nutrition Basic Care and Comfort

Case Study

A 63-year-old client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for nursing care related to malnutrition screening. Assessment data include the client has 6% unintentional weight loss in 1 month and albumin 2.8 g/dL. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
B. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Give a blanket answer that everything is fine and continue the prior plan.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.

Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Malnutrition screening