NCLEX: The nurse reviewing updated assessment data is being evaluated for nursing care related to prioritize hypotheses….

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 prioritize hypotheses. 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. Visitor concerns before physiologic stability.
C. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.
D. Long-term teaching before treating acute physiologic risk.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Prioritize hypotheses