The charge nurse receives reports about eight clients. Drag each report to the most appropriate priority group for the next nursing round.
Matrix Multiple Choice
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Airway compromise, uncontrolled postpartum bleeding, and symptomatic severe hypoglycemia require immediate assessment and action. New oliguria and pain not relieved by an opioid are unexpected changes that need prompt follow-up after immediate threats. Stable teaching, routine care, and nonurgent requests can wait.
Quick answer Rank airway, active hemorrhage, and symptomatic hypoglycemia before unexpected but currently stable changes, then scheduled needs.
Why this is correct Inspiratory stridor after thyroid surgery can signal rapidly worsening airway obstruction. A boggy uterus with a saturated pad suggests postpartum hemorrhage. Diaphoresis and confusion with glucose 48 mg/dL indicate neuroglycopenia. New oliguria and persistent severe pain require timely reassessment but do not outrank an active airway, bleeding, or glucose emergency when the reported vital signs remain stable.
NCLEX decision rule First identify who could deteriorate or die without action now. Next address unexpected changes. Complete predictable, stable, or scheduled needs last.
Why the lower-priority reports wait Discharge teaching, a routine dressing change, and a request for a work note remain important, but delaying them briefly does not create the same immediate physiologic risk.
Reference
1NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanManagement of Care, prioritization, and clinical judgment framework
Change-of-shift prioritizationThe charge nurse must sequence bedside assessment by immediate threat, unexpected change, and stability. No additional staff are immediately available.
Airborne Precautions — Precautions for pathogens that can remain suspended in air.
Droplet Precautions — Precautions for pathogens spread by larger respiratory droplets.
Contact Precautions — Precautions for pathogens spread by direct or indirect contact.