NCLEX: A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for bronchiolitis with respiratory distress. Asse…

Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for bronchiolitis with respiratory distress. Assessment data include pulling at ears and crying with tugging on the right ear. 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: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Respiratory illness