NCLEX: A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for focused reassessment during hospitalization….

Health assessment Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A 66-year-old client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for focused reassessment during hospitalization. Assessment data include blood pressure 180/102 mm Hg with headache and blurred vision. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Question

A. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.
B. Pain relief before checking airway and breathing.
C. Visitor concerns before physiologic stability.
D. Long-term teaching before treating acute physiologic risk.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. 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: Focused reassessment