Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Hypoxia and impaired gas exchange
NCLEX: A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired…
Pathophysiology Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. Assessment data include temperature 102.2°F (39°C), heart rate 126/min, blood pressure 86/50 mm Hg, and confusion. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?
Question
A. Begin a long lecture while the client is in acute distress.
B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
C. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
D. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.
B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
C. Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.
D. Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.
Rationale: Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.