NCLEX RN Practice Question

The correct answer is to assess the current clinical status of each assigned client. Gaining an understanding of each client’s condition allows the nurse to identify any emergencies, high-priority needs, or time-sensitive interventions. This step is the foundation of effective care planning, helping to ensure that critical tasks are completed in the appropriate order.

Other options, such as starting documentation, delegating tasks, or focusing on routine medications, may seem helpful but lack the broader assessment needed to establish priorities. For example, administering medications without evaluating clients might miss acute changes in condition, and delegating tasks without understanding workload needs could lead to inappropriate task assignments.