NCLEX: A 52-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to bacteria, viruses,…

Microbiology Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

A 52-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Assessment data include watery diarrhea 8 times today after antibiotic therapy. 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: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites