Adult health / medical-surgical nursing · practice question

A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for partial bowel obstruction. Assessment data include sudden slurred speech and right-sided weakness began 30 minutes ago. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026adult-health-med-surg

Pain relief before checking airway and breathing.Visitor concerns before physiologic stability.Airway, breathing, and circulation problems before comfort or psychosocial needs.Long-term teaching before treating acute physiologic risk.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

C. 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.

Test yourself on Adult health / medical-surgical nursing

A free test with instant, explained results. No account needed.

Start free test

All Adult health / medical-surgical nursing questions →

A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for partial bowel obstruction. Assessment data include sudden slurred speech and right-sided weakness began 30 minutes ago. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Correct answer

Why

More Adult health / medical-surgical nursing questions