# A charge nurse receives an unscheduled high-acuity admission while another client is deteriorating and staffing is reduced. For each leadership action, select the best classification.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396195&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Concepts of Management  
> category: MOC

## Question

A charge nurse receives an unscheduled high-acuity admission while another client is deteriorating and staffing is reduced. For each leadership action, select the best classification.

|  | Immediate stabilization | Workload and resource adjustment | After-event learning |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Name the immediate team leader and assign qualified clinicians to the deteriorating client and the new admission |  |  |  |
| Activate the appropriate rapid-response or emergency pathway while essential bedside care continues |  |  |  |
| Conduct a brief huddle to reassess acuity, redistribute routine work, and clarify each person’s role |  |  |  |
| Request float, supervisory, respiratory, or other backup resources based on the current care demands |  |  |  |
| After both clients are stable, debrief whether communication, roles, and task assistance were effective |  |  |  |
| Document recurring staffing or equipment barriers and assign follow-up for the next safety review |  |  |  |

## Explanation

During concurrent threats, the charge nurse identifies priorities and team leadership, assigns qualified clinicians to time-sensitive care, and calls for help. A brief huddle supports situational awareness and workload redistribution. Debriefing and system follow-up occur after immediate safety is restored so lessons can change future staffing, escalation, or equipment processes.

## In-depth explanation

Correct Answer
Two actions stabilize immediate threats, two adjust workload and resources, and two support learning after stabilization.

Why It Fits
The sequence preserves care while avoiding equal-count assignment logic that ignores acuity and competency.

Clinical Picture
A huddle is a rapid plan adjustment, not a delay. Task assistance and escalation are appropriate when workload exceeds current resources.

Memory Link
Stabilize, redistribute, learn.

NCLEX Rule
Match work to acuity, role, and competency; request resources before overload causes omission or delay.

Why the Alternatives Fail
Keeping assignments unchanged may preserve arithmetic equality but not safety. Debriefing before stabilization would compete with urgent care.

Sources
1AHRQ TeamSTEPPS Team Leadership Tools
22026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan

## Clinical scenario

Two clients require simultaneous attention. The charge nurse must preserve immediate care, create a shared mental model, redistribute work according to role and competency, and learn from the event after threats are controlled.

## Key concepts

- **Huddle** — A brief ad hoc team meeting used to restore situational awareness and adjust the current plan.
- **Debrief** — A short after-event review used to identify what worked, what failed, and what should change.

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