Author Question: The nurse has just finished the change-of-shift report. Which client should the nurse assess second? ... (Read 90 times)

newyorker26 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

The nurse has just finished the change-of-shift report. Which client should the nurse assess second?

a. The client who needs assistance transferring from the bed to a wheelchair
b. The client with COPD who is having difficulty breathing
c. A client who is being discharged today
d. An elderly client who has requested medication for pain

Question 2

The nurse has just finished the change-of-shift report. Which patient should the nurse assess first?

a. The patient who needs assistance transferring from the bed to a wheelchair
b. The client with COPD who is having difficulty breathing
c. A client who is being discharged today
d. An elderly client who has requested medication for pain

chereeb · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
The client needing assistance with transferring from bed to wheelchair would be seen second. Having
already assessed the client with COPD because of issues with breathing, attention would be turned to
the next priority. Because the client needs help transferring, the issue of safety must be addressed, and
it would, therefore, becomes the second priority. The client requesting pain medication is
experiencing a comfort issue which would be addressed after safety. Also, the client being discharged
is not experiencing a major health situation.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nurse should assess the client with COPD first. This client is having difficulty breathing, which
could be a life-threatening situation. Remember to follow the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation).
The other three patients are not experiencing life-threatening situations.