Analyze Cues

Definition

Analyze Cues is Step 2 of the NCJMM. The nurse organizes and links recognized cues to the patient's clinical presentation to determine what they mean together.

Example

Recognized cues: BP 86/50, HR 118, lactate 4.2, temp 102°F, productive cough. Analyze: These cues together suggest septic shock from pneumonia. Requires immediate sepsis bundle.

Item Formats

Drop-down cloze items ('The client's cues are most consistent with ______'), matrix items linking cues to conditions.

Strategy

Consider how cues interact, a single abnormal value has less weight than a pattern. Compare expected vs unexpected findings. Use your knowledge of pathophysiology.

NCLEX Relevance

Tested in case studies with 'explain why' or pattern-recognition format.