NCLEX: An RN prioritizing care after a change in status is being evaluated for nursing care related to analyze cues. Ass…

Clinical judgment / Next Gen NCLEX case studies Clinical Judgment

Case Study

An RN prioritizing care after a change in status is being evaluated for nursing care related to analyze cues. Assessment data include the client improves after the initial intervention but develops a new safety concern. 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: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Analyze cues