NCLEX: A 76-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comf…

Nursing fundamentals Basic Care and Comfort Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 76-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comfort. Assessment data include pain 9/10 and guards the abdomen after surgery. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Question

A. Pain relief before checking airway and breathing.
B. Visitor concerns before physiologic stability.
C. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.
D. Long-term teaching before treating acute physiologic risk.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.

Rationale: Physiologic stability and ABCs take priority over comfort, teaching, or psychosocial needs when the client is unstable.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Hygiene and comfort