A nurse is working in the operating room with a client just prior to t

A nurse is working in the operating room with a client just prior to the procedure. While setting up for the procedure, the nurse notices that the client has become unresponsive and respirations have become shallow.

What type of assessment would be necessary in this situation?
1. Initial assessment
2. Problem-focused assessment
3. Emergency assessment
4. Time-lapsed assessment

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: An emergency assessment is performed during any physiologic or psychologic crisis of the client to identify life-threatening problems. Initial assessment is performed within a specific time after admission to a health care agency. Problem-focused assessment is an ongoing process integrated with nursing care. Time-lapsed assessment occurs several months after the initial assessment to compare the client’s current status to baseline data previously obtained.