NCLEX: A 3-year-old child in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for developmental expectations for toddler and pres…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A 3-year-old child in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for developmental expectations for toddler and preschool development. Assessment data include the caregiver reports new bed-wetting after a family stressor. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

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

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Toddler and preschool development