Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified A nurse is assessing a client who has recently been started on a new antihypertensive medication. The client reports dizziness when standing. What should the nurse do first? A. Assess the client’s blood pressure in both sitting and standing positions B. Encourage the client to take the medication with food C. Decrease the medication dose as ordered D. Suggest that the client drink more water to alleviate the symptoms A nurse is caring for a client with a history of stroke who is now experiencing weakness in one arm. What is the nurse’s priority action? A. Administer the prescribed anticoagulant B. Assess the client for signs of acute stroke, such as facial drooping C. Place the client in a comfortable position D. Encourage the client to use the affected arm for activities 2 A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following a hip replacement surgery. The client reports pain at the surgical site. What should the nurse do first? A. Assess the pain level and administer prescribed pain medication B. Encourage the client to use a pillow for comfort C. Reposition the client to reduce pressure on the surgical site D. Check for any signs of infection or swelling A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes who is receiving insulin therapy. The client’s blood glucose level is 40 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s first action? A. Administer a fast-acting carbohydrate B. Recheck the blood glucose level in 15 minutes C. Contact the healthcare provider immediately D. Encourage the client to drink a sugary beverage A nurse is assessing a client who has been started on an opioid medication for pain management. The nurse notices the client is drowsy with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. What should the nurse do first? A. Administer naloxone and monitor the client’s vital signs B. Increase the oxygen flow rate via nasal cannula 3 C. Continue to monitor the client’s respiratory status D. Reassure the client that drowsiness is expected A nurse is caring for a client who is post-operative following abdominal surgery. The client’s abdomen is distended, and the nurse suspects a bowel obstruction. What is the nurse’s first priority? A. Assess the client’s bowel sounds and abdominal girth B. Administer prescribed analgesics for pain relief C. Increase the client’s IV fluids to prevent dehydration D. Notify the healthcare provider for further instructions A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. The nurse observes that the client is experiencing chills and back pain. What should the nurse do first? A. Stop the transfusion and assess the client’s vital signs B. Administer acetaminophen to manage the fever C. Continue the transfusion and monitor the client D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately 4 A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with pneumonia. The client is experiencing increased shortness of breath and a productive cough. What should the nurse do first? A. Administer prescribed antibiotics B. Assess the client's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation C. Increase the client's fluid intake D. Prepare the client for a chest X-ray A nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart