Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Family systems
NCLEX: A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to family systems. Assessment data i…
Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance
Case Study
A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to family systems. Assessment data include the client is withdrawn, flat affect, and refusing meals for 2 days. Which action should the nurse take first?
Question
A. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
B. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
Rationale
Correct answer: C. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.