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

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 antimicrobial resistance. Assessment data include fever 101.8°F (38.8°C) with elevated WBC and bandemia. 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: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Antimicrobial resistance