NCLEX: A client in an unfolding case study is being evaluated for nursing care related to safety-focused judgment. Asses…

Clinical judgment / Next Gen NCLEX case studies Clinical Judgment

Case Study

A client in an unfolding case study is being evaluated for nursing care related to safety-focused judgment. Assessment data include the medication record, labs, and assessment notes contain conflicting cues. 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: Safety-focused judgment