Pathophysiology · practice question

A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to electrolyte imbalance. Assessment data include the client has crackles bilaterally, SpO2 88% on room air, and reports increased shortness of breath. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026pathophysiology

Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.Begin a long lecture while the client is in acute distress.Assume understanding without checking literacy or readiness.Delegate all teaching without RN evaluation of learning needs.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

A. Immediate safety, readiness to learn, literacy, cultural needs, barriers, and baseline understanding.

Why

Teaching is effective only after safety and learning readiness are confirmed; the RN cannot delegate assessment of learning needs on unstable clients.

Test yourself on Pathophysiology

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

Start free test

All Pathophysiology questions →

A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to electrolyte imbalance. Assessment data include the client has crackles bilaterally, SpO2 88% on room air, and reports increased shortness of breath. Before teaching, what should the nurse assess first?

Correct answer

Why

More Pathophysiology questions