NCLEX: A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for scheduled medications. Assessment data inc…

Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Case Study

A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for scheduled medications. Assessment data include the client reports nausea and vomiting after taking a new oral medication. 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. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.
D. Long-term teaching before treating acute physiologic risk.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Medication administration rights