NCLEX: A 2-year-old toddler in the emergency department is being evaluated for well-child care. Assessment data include…

Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 2-year-old toddler in the emergency department is being evaluated for well-child care. Assessment data include temperature 103.1°F (39.5°C) with a new petechial rash. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
D. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Growth and development