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

Psychology / lifespan development Health Promotion and Maintenance

Case Study

A client in an outpatient clinic is being evaluated for nursing care related to family systems. Assessment data include the client is withdrawn, flat affect, and refusing meals for 2 days. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Family systems