Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Neurologic injury
NCLEX: A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to neurologic injury….
Pathophysiology Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to neurologic injury. Assessment data include surgical incision with purulent drainage and fever 101.5°F (38.6°C). 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. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
D. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
D. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. 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.