Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Stress response
NCLEX: A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to stress response. Assessment data…
Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance
Case Study
A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to stress response. Assessment data include the client is pacing aggressively, clenching fists, and refusing to sit. 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. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.
D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Tell the client symptoms are expected and avoid notifying the health care team.
D. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. 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.
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.