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Psychiatric / mental health nursing · practice question

A 42-year-old client in a crisis stabilization unit is being evaluated for acute emotional crisis. Assessment data include the client is withdrawn, flat affect, and refusing meals for 2 days. Using ABCs and Maslow, which need should the nurse address first?

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