RN ATI Pediatric Nursing Exam (70 NGN Questions with Answers) Related

Review RN ATI Pediatric Nursing Exam (70 NGN Questions with Answers) related questions and content

Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

  • A. A toddler who has a new diagnosis of osteomyelitis and is to receive an IV bolus of nafcillin
  • B. An adolescent who is in skin traction and reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10
  • C. An adolescent who has sickle cell anemia and slurred speech
  • D. A toddler who has a partial-thickness burn on his right hand and requires a dressing change
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct choice is C. The nurse should assess the adolescent with sickle cell anemia and slurred speech first because slurred speech could indicate a potential stroke or other serious neurological complication related to sickle cell disease. It is crucial to prioritize neurological symptoms as they may lead to life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly. Assessing for signs of stroke and providing immediate intervention is essential in this situation. Choices A, B, and D involve pain management and wound care, which are important but not as urgent as addressing potential neurological complications. Therefore, assessing the client with slurred speech is the priority to ensure timely and appropriate intervention.