by david.cummiskey

Okay, everybody knows Airway, Breathing, Circulation ("ABC's") right? But what about when they ask you what to do first, or what is the most important for the nurse to address, and there are no Respiratory/Perfusion issues? What about when you approach a priority question thinking, "oh, look for the airway issue and Ahhhhhh! All I see are infections, pain, and psych patient issues!" What then?

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

Don't forget maslow's

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

Originally Posted by yesdog

Don't forget maslow's

True, Hierarchy of needs (Physical vs Psychosocial), thanks yesdog. Anybody have any other tricks or sources where I can brush up on my prioritizing skills?

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

High priority - needs that are life-threatening or could result in harm to the pt if left untreated

Intermediate priority - nonemergency and non-life-threatening pt needs

Low Priority - needs that aren't related directly to pt's illness or prognosis

When providing care - decide which needs or problems require immediate action and which ones can be delayed until a later time because they aren't urgent

Consider pt problems that involve actual or life-threatening concerns before potential health-threatening concern.

Consider time constraints and available resources.

Problems identified as important by the pt must be given high priority.

ABC's

Maslow's

Use the nursing process as a guide - assessment first

Systemic issues before local issues


Hope this helps! You can do it!

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

Have you checked out Lacharity's book on delegation and prioritization? It's an excellent resource: multiple choice questions on all body systems plus rationales for why each answer is right or wrong. You can pick up used copies at half.com and amazon.com.

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

Originally Posted by Freedom42

Have you checked out Lacharity's book on delegation and prioritization? It's an excellent resource: multiple choice questions on all body systems plus rationales for why each answer is right or wrong. You can pick up used copies at half.com and amazon.com.

Thanks for the advice Freedom42, I have delegation down but I still am a bit sketchy on my prioritization, I will definately have to take a look at that book.

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

Always remember, physiological needs before psychosocial.

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

Originally Posted by FutureNurse35

Always remember, physiological needs before psychosocial.

That was mentioned above in the Maslow's comment but thanks any way.

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

Originally Posted by Freedom42

Have you checked out Lacharity's book on delegation and prioritization? It's an excellent resource: multiple choice questions on all body systems plus rationales for why each answer is right or wrong. You can pick up used copies at half.com and amazon.com.

Just picked up my copy of Linda LaCharity's book Prioritization, Delegation and Assignment from Barnes & Noble. Thanks again!

Re: Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

I want to add something that I did not know and just learned today: Pain, is not considered a physical...rather an psychological event. So if you have something physical as an answer you pick that before you do pain.