NCLEX: A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to general survey. Asses…

Health assessment Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to general survey. Assessment data include temperature 100.8°F (38.2°C) with rigors and chills. 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. Long-term teaching before treating acute physiologic risk.
D. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. 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: General survey