What is the best course of action when a consolidation student is told to assess a client and the client has new findings requiring physician notification?

• A. Assess the client, then call the physician and document.
• B. Inform the physician and document only.
• C. Notify family immediately.
• D. Do nothing until shift change.

Answer: (A)

When new findings require physician notification, you first perform a quick, focused assessment to gather up-to-date data on the client. This gives you an accurate picture of the current status—vital signs, symptoms, and any new observations—so you can report with precision and urgency.

The reason this order matters is that a clinician’s decision relies on current information. By assessing first, you determine how urgent the situation is and what specifics to convey to the physician. Then you contact the physician with a concise, factual report of your findings, what you think is happening, and what kind of outcome or orders you’re hoping for. After that, you document everything: the assessment results, the physician’s guidance or orders, and any actions you’ve taken. Documentation protects client safety and provides a clear record for ongoing care.

Notifying family isn’t appropriate in this step, and waiting until shift change could delay needed intervention, so those options don’t support timely and safe care.