NCLEX: A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for panic symptoms. Assessment data…

Psychiatric / mental health nursing Psychosocial Integrity

Case Study

A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for panic symptoms. Assessment data include the client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. 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: Anxiety disorders