NCLEX: A 34-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Assessment data i…

Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Case Study

A 34-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Assessment data include the client reports dizziness, blood pressure 92/58 mm Hg, and heart rate 118/min after the morning dose. Which error is most dangerous on the NCLEX and in practice?

Question

A. Choosing an intervention before identifying assessment cues and immediate safety risk.
B. Teaching the client after stability is confirmed.
C. Reassessing the client after an appropriate intervention.
D. Using SBAR to notify the provider about abnormal findings.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. Choosing an intervention before identifying assessment cues and immediate safety risk.

Rationale: The most dangerous NCLEX trap is treating before assessing, which can miss life-threatening deterioration.

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

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Antibiotics