Pharmacology · practice question
A 68-year-old client on a medical-surgical unit is being evaluated for transfer from another facility with multiple home medications. Assessment data include the client has respiratory rate 10/min and is difficult to arouse after opioid administration. Which action should the nurse take first?
Multiple choiceHardnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026pharmacology
Answer and explanation
Correct answer
B. 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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