Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Psychotropic medications
NCLEX: A 34-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for a new antipsychotic prescription. Assessment data…
Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Case Study
A 34-year-old client on a telemetry unit is being evaluated for a new antipsychotic prescription. Assessment data include the client has potassium 5.8 mEq/L with muscle weakness on the monitor. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?
Question
A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
C. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
D. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
B. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
C. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
D. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.