NCLEX: An 82-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comfo…

Nursing fundamentals Basic Care and Comfort Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Case Study

An 82-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hygiene and comfort. Assessment data include pressure injury stage 2 noted on the coccyx with unchanged dressing. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
B. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
C. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
D. Administer the next scheduled intervention before reassessing the client.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Hygiene and comfort