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Psychiatric / mental health nursing · practice question

A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for panic symptoms. Assessment data include the client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

Multiple choiceEasynclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026psychiatric-mental-health
Choose one answer
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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