Psychiatric / mental health nursing · practice question
A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for history of intimate partner violence. Assessment data include the client states, "I don't want to live anymore" and has a plan with access to means. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?
Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026psychiatric-mental-health
Answer and explanation
Correct answer
B. 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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