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

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 simulation debriefing. Assessment data include simulation data show worsening respiratory distress after the first intervention. 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: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Simulation debriefing