Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Renal impairment
NCLEX: A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to renal impairment….
Pathophysiology Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to renal impairment. Assessment data include blood glucose 420 mg/dL with acetone breath and Kussmaul respirations. Which action should the nurse take first?
Question
A. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
D. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
D. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.
Rationale
Correct answer: C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.