NCLEX: The nurse reviewing a unit quality dashboard is being evaluated for evidence-based practice and research question…

Statistics or evidence-based practice Management of Care

Case Study

The nurse reviewing a unit quality dashboard is being evaluated for evidence-based practice and research question and pico. Assessment data include fall rates increased from 2.1 to 4.8 per 1,000 patient days after a process change. 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. Give a blanket answer that everything is fine and continue the prior plan.
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.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Research question and PICO