Question

At 0715 the nurse is assigned to care for the following four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?

Select one:
a. A client with pneumonia scheduled for a portable chest x-ray at 0730.
b. A client with diabetes mellitus type I waiting for a breakfast tray at 0745.
c. A client scheduled for a bronchoscopy at the bedside at 0900.
d. A client who will be transferred to a skilled care facility at 0930.

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize the client with pneumonia who is scheduled for an imminent chest x-ray, as it is a time-sensitive procedure and pneumonia requires prompt attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should plan to see the client with pneumonia scheduled for a portable chest x-ray at 0730 first. This client's need is time-sensitive since imaging is scheduled shortly after the nurse's shift starts, and pneumonia can be a serious condition where changes in status need to be identified and managed rapidly. In comparison, the other situations have more flexibility in time. The client with diabetes mellitus type I can receive insulin with their meal which is not until 0745, the bronchoscopy is scheduled for 0900, and the transfer to skilled care is not until 0930, allowing these tasks to be done afterward without compromising client care.