Health assessment · practice question
A 49-year-old client in the emergency department is being evaluated for respiratory assessment during hospitalization. Assessment data include temperature 100.8°F (38.2°C) with rigors and chills. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?
Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026health-assessment
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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