Crash Course In Prioritization Questions...

[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?

[yesdog, BSN, RN]

Don't forget maslow's

[david.cummiskey]

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?

[yesdog, BSN, RN]

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!

[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.

[david.cummiskey]

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.

[NaomieRN]

Always remember, physiological needs before psychosocial.

[david.cummiskey]

Always remember, physiological needs before psychosocial.

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

[david.cummiskey]

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! :wink2:

[SusanneCollins13]

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.

[yesdog, BSN, RN]

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.

hmmmmm.....I hate these!

So which would you give meds to first....

Someone who is screaming with pain 9/10

Someone with BP 140/90

[SusanneCollins13]

In that case I think it would be pain med, since pain is usually the cause for high blood pressure. So you just fixed possibly two problems at once.