NCLEX: A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for febrile illness in a toddler. Assessment data…

Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for febrile illness in a toddler. Assessment data include capillary refill 4 seconds with dry mucous membranes and sunken fontanelle. 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: Pediatric vital signs