NCLEX: A 24-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for developmental expectations for young adult de…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A 24-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for developmental expectations for young adult development. Assessment data include the client reports work stress, poor sleep, and increased alcohol use. 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: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Young adult development