NCLEX: A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Assessment…

Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Case Study

A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Assessment data include the barcode scanner shows a medication-client mismatch at the bedside. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Question

A. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.
B. Pain relief before checking airway and breathing.
C. Visitor concerns before physiologic stability.
D. Long-term teaching before treating acute physiologic risk.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. 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: Antibiotics