NCLEX: The quality-improvement nurse reviewing fall-rate data is being evaluated for evidence-based practice and risk an…

Statistics or evidence-based practice Management of Care

Case Study

The quality-improvement nurse reviewing fall-rate data is being evaluated for evidence-based practice and risk and probability. Assessment data include fall rates increased from 2.1 to 4.8 per 1,000 patient days after a process change. 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. Complete nonurgent tasks first because the client appears calm.

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.

Level: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Risk and probability