Ask any question about Nursing here... and get an instant response.
Post this Question & Answer:
What assessment finding requires immediate follow-up?
Asked on Jan 15, 2026
Answer
In nursing practice, certain assessment findings indicate a need for immediate follow-up due to potential life-threatening conditions. Recognizing these urgent findings is crucial for patient safety and effective clinical decision-making.
Example Concept: An assessment finding that requires immediate follow-up is a sudden change in level of consciousness, such as confusion or unresponsiveness. This could indicate a critical condition like hypoxia, stroke, or severe electrolyte imbalance, necessitating prompt intervention to prevent further deterioration.
Additional Comment:
- Always prioritize ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) when assessing urgent findings.
- Unexpected findings like acute chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or a drop in blood pressure also require immediate attention.
- Document all findings and actions taken promptly and accurately in the patient's medical record.
- Communicate urgent findings to the healthcare team using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) for effective handoff.
Recommended Links:
