NCLEX: A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to stress response. Assessment data…

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to stress response. Assessment data include the client states, "I don't want to live anymore" and has a plan with access to means. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Stress response