NCLEX Questions-Prioritizing Client Care

1. The nurse is assigned to care for four clients. In planning client rounds, which client should the nurse assess first? a. A client scheduled for a chest x-ray b. A client requiring daily dressing changes c. A postoperative client preparing for discharge d. A client receiving nasal oxygen who had difficulty breathing during the previous shift. - 1. D- Airway is always the highest priority, and the nurse would attend to the client who has been experiencing an airway problem first. The clients described in option 1, 2, and 3 have needs that would be identified as intermediate priorities. 2. The nurse employed in an emergency department is assigned to triage clients coming to the emergency department for treatment on the evening shift. The nurse should assign priority to which client? a. A client complaining of muscle aches, a headache, and malaise b. A client who twisted her ankle when she fell while rollerblading c. A client with a minor laceration on the index finger sustained while cutting an eggplant