Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Middle adult development
NCLEX: A 48-year-old client at an annual wellness visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for middle adu…
Psychology / lifespan development Clinical Judgment Health Promotion and Maintenance
Case Study
A 48-year-old client at an annual wellness visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for middle adult development. Assessment data include the client reports caregiver strain while managing work and parent care. Using the clinical judgment model, what is the nurse's first step?
Question
A. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.
B. Implement the first intervention on the existing care plan without reviewing new data.
C. Evaluate discharge readiness before addressing acute findings.
D. Document the assessment at the end of the shift and continue the prior plan.
B. Implement the first intervention on the existing care plan without reviewing new data.
C. Evaluate discharge readiness before addressing acute findings.
D. Document the assessment at the end of the shift and continue the prior plan.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Recognize and analyze relevant cues to determine whether the client is stable or deteriorating.
Rationale: NCSBN clinical judgment begins with recognizing and analyzing cues before taking action or evaluating outcomes.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: NCSBN clinical judgment begins with recognizing and analyzing cues before taking action or evaluating outcomes.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.