Pathophysiology · practice question
A 45-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for nursing care related to acid-base imbalance. Assessment data include the client has crackles bilaterally, SpO2 88% on room air, and reports increased shortness of breath. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?
Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026pathophysiology
Answer and explanation
Correct answer
B. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
Why
Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.
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