Pathophysiology · practice question

A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. 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 choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026pathophysiology

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

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.

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A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. Assessment data include the client reports worst headache of life with neck stiffness. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Correct answer

Why

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