Pediatric nursing · practice question
A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for postoperative pain in a school-age child. Assessment data include pulling at ears and crying with tugging on the right ear. Which action should the nurse take first?
Multiple choiceHardnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026pediatric-nursing
Answer and explanation
Correct answer
D. 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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