NCLEX RN Priority question example/HELP?

[PayitForwardHolistic]

The nurse sees pts in the adolescent psych unit. Which of the following pts should the nurse see FIRST?

1. 13 yr old who c/o impulsivity & poor attention span

2. 14 yr old who frequently loses his temper & argues with his teachers

3. 15 yr old who wants to be a model & only drinks H20 & eats vegetables

4. 16 yr old who bullies, threatens, and intimidates other & initiates physical fights

ANSWER: 3

I understand that the individual needs assessment of nutritional status..BUT... why is option 3, a bigger concern than "option 4"...My thought was option 4 would be priority as it relates to safety The nurse should always make sure the patient is of no harm to themselves or others.

option 3...assessment of nutritional status will be the same if done "now" or 5 mins from now, after the nurse ensures the safety principle...

[Lench001]

I see your reasoning for number four but when i read this question i chose number three. My reasoning was based on maslow, pt 3 is not meeting her physiological needs and therefore takes priority. I do not know it that is the correct reasoning but that was my thought in answering it. Was there rationale for the answer choice from where you got it?

[PayitForwardHolistic]

Hi, thank you for responding. Yes, there was rationale.... 3. most unstable, assess nutritional status;4.assess for conduct disorder.

your explanation to use Maslow makes sense.

[souleater11]

Hi, thank you for responding. Yes, there was rationale.... 3. most unstable, assess nutritional status;4.assess for conduct disorder.

your explanation to use Maslow makes sense.

Hi,

In nclex world setting the reason why # 4 was wrong, its because option 4 is not yet an actual problem.

My strategy in answering nclex type questions is:

1. determine ABC

2. determine Maslow

3. Actual vs Potential Problem (Dont read into the question)

The 3rd method is the most important for me because it is often overlooked due to test anxiety or common nursing school exam answers.