Adult health / medical-surgical nursing · practice question
A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for rapidly worsening vital signs. Assessment data include the client reports worst headache of life with neck stiffness. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?
Multiple choiceHardnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026adult-health-med-surg
Answer and explanation
Correct answer
D. 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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