Adult health / medical-surgical nursing · practice question
A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for chronic kidney disease with fluid overload. Assessment data include temperature 102.2°F (39°C), heart rate 126/min, blood pressure 86/50 mm Hg, and confusion. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?
Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026adult-health-med-surg
Answer and explanation
Correct answer
A. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.
Why
Physiologic stability and ABCs take priority over comfort, teaching, or psychosocial needs when the client is unstable.
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