Health assessment · practice question

A 49-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for musculoskeletal assessment during hospitalization. Assessment data include pain 9/10 and guards the abdomen after surgery. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Multiple choiceHardnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026health-assessment

Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.Defer assessment until all medications are administered.Use only the chart from admission without current data.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

B. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.

Why

Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.

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A 49-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for musculoskeletal assessment during hospitalization. Assessment data include pain 9/10 and guards the abdomen after surgery. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Correct answer

Why

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