NCLEX: A new graduate nurse working with a preceptor is being evaluated for transition-to-practice skills and capstone t…

Professional nursing practice (clinical transition) Management of Care

Case Study

A new graduate nurse working with a preceptor is being evaluated for transition-to-practice skills and capstone transition. Assessment data include time-sensitive medications are due while one assigned client reports new chest pain. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Capstone transition