NCLEX: A 16-year-old adolescent at a primary care visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for adolescent…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A 16-year-old adolescent at a primary care visit is being evaluated for developmental expectations for adolescent development. Assessment data include screening reveals vaping, poor sleep, and declining grades. 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: Clinical

Difficulty: Medium

Subtopic: Adolescent development