Health assessment · practice question

A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for pain assessment during hospitalization. The nurse reviews this trend: hemoglobin decreasing from 12.1 to 8.4 g/dL with fatigue. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?

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

Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

B. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.

Why

Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.

Test yourself on Health assessment

A free test with instant, explained results. No account needed.

Start free test

All Health assessment questions →

A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for pain assessment during hospitalization. The nurse reviews this trend: hemoglobin decreasing from 12.1 to 8.4 g/dL with fatigue. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?

Correct answer

Why

More Health assessment questions