NCLEX: A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for labor with external fetal monitoring. Assessmen…

Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A 29-year-old client in labor and delivery is being evaluated for labor with external fetal monitoring. Assessment data include the client reports rectal pressure and an urge to push during active labor. 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: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Fetal monitoring