Adult health / medical-surgical nursing · practice question
A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for neutropenia during chemotherapy. Assessment data include the client reports sudden sharp chest pain and respirations 32/min after surgery. Which action should the nurse take first?
Multiple choiceHardnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026adult-health-med-surg
Answer and explanation
Correct answer
A. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
Why
NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.
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