NCLEX: A 63-year-old client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for nursing care related to hydration and flu…

Nutrition Basic Care and Comfort

Case Study

A 63-year-old client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for nursing care related to hydration and fluid balance. Assessment data include the client receives enteral feeding and develops abdominal distention with nausea. 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: Hydration and fluid balance