NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers Related

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After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

  • A. A patient with pneumonia who has crackles in the right lung base
  • B. A patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy
  • C. A patient with hemoptysis and a 16-mm induration with tuberculin skin testing
  • D. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) that indicates low forced vital capacity
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy. After bronchoscopy, the patient may have decreased cough and gag reflexes, necessitating immediate assessment for airway patency to prevent potential complications. The other patients do not exhibit urgent clinical manifestations or have undergone recent procedures that require immediate attention. Therefore, they can be assessed after ensuring the safety and stability of the patient who has just returned after bronchoscopy.