NCLEX: The nurse reviewing updated assessment data is being evaluated for nursing care related to evaluate outcomes. Ass…

Clinical judgment / Next Gen NCLEX case studies Clinical Judgment

Case Study

The nurse reviewing updated assessment data is being evaluated for nursing care related to evaluate outcomes. Assessment data include new vital signs show blood pressure 88/50 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, and increasing confusion. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Question

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

Rationale

Correct answer: B. 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: Evaluate outcomes