NCLEX: An 8-year-old child in the pediatric unit is being evaluated for family presence during hospitalization. Assessme…

Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

An 8-year-old child in the pediatric unit is being evaluated for family presence during hospitalization. Assessment data include nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and SpO2 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
C. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Family-centered care