Psychiatric / mental health nursing · practice question
A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for alcohol withdrawal risk. Assessment data include the client has not slept in 3 days and speech is rapid and pressured. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?
Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026psychiatric-mental-health
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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