Nclex-rn Priority questions how did you go by answering them?

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Specializes in ICU-Step Down, Cardiac/CHF, Telemetry, L&D.

I know that you always start with ABC's and Maslows but, what else did you use to come to the right answer?

one of the things to look for is anything that may suggest hypovolemia or decreasing level of consciousness. those are both signs of things about to go terribly wrong. so let's say you've got a stroke patient who complains he's getting drowsy and no one else seems to be in trouble.. he's you're priority.

I have read that patients that take priority would be new admits, any pt with s/s of bleeding (hypovolemia), any change in LOC, or any s/s of impending respiratory or cardiac problems. Does this sound okay to go by?

I just took my NCLEX on Friday and found out this a.m. that I passed! I thought for sure I failed due to all of the client priority questions. You seem to have the right idea on how to go about them...I wish I had known to pay more attention towards these questions before the test, but I never want to see another one...EVER!! Good luck to you

sometimes I feel like nclex gives you a cardio problem, and resp and decreasing LOC or bleeding all in one priority question! So do you immediately go with Respiratory problems due to "ABC" ??? I really get stuck on these! :(

Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.
sometimes I feel like nclex gives you a cardio problem, and resp and decreasing LOC or bleeding all in one priority question! So do you immediately go with Respiratory problems due to "ABC" ??? I really get stuck on these! :(

Yes. I actually had this happen in real life. Had 2 pts same time in respiratory distress. the 1st was worsening CHF/fluid volume overload, the 2nd was a " lap-appy" young and was non-responsive, BP was 70/42, pulse was 125, respirations were 7, temp was 94. And I got a second post-op during all this. So, you have 1 other RN on the unit, 1 LPN, and 2 CNAs. How would you delegate and who would you see first? This is what NCLEX wants to make sure you know. Although I don't think NCLEX will make it complex. They mostly will look at basic pt care that is safe.:nurse:

Ok what if you had someone that was vomiting, and someone with hypovolemic BP critically low. The vomiting patient would take priority cause the airway issue?

Ok how about this: Who would take priority: IN NCLEX LAND:

Pt. with BP of 162/95

Pt. with sudden decreased LOC

I would think the first d/t circulation issue

How about

Pt. with tachycardia 102

Pt. with sudden decreased LOC

Again..circulation right?

How about

Pt. with Post op bleeding (Say...4 saturated peripads in one hour)

Pt. with sudden decreased loc

Pt. in DKA

Pt. with protruding tongue while taking an antipsychotic

Again all very serious. But according to ABC, it would be pt. 1

Again...Circulation right?

Just don't know where neuro ranks in the ABC's. I know it is critical, but is not as important as circulation or breathing issues.

In nclex, there are questions like these. I have noticed there aren't that many books with the new triage questions. Saunders has 75 only. Lacharity has like 10-20 of these types. I wish I had a whole book on these questions. I will get a response saying buy lacharity. I read it twice, did all questions...and trust me...is NOTHING like nclex on the triage questions.

if thats the case i would go for ABCD follow up.

A- Airway

B- breathing

C- circulation..

D- nurological Dysfunction....

i feel that is the order of priority.. wat do u think?

:up:

These questions are so confusing. Because it says "sudden" decrease in LOC, I would think it would be that one. That blood pressure is not alarmingly high, but that person with the sudden decrease in LOC could deteriorate fast. This is just what I am guessing. Hurst says choose the killer one, who would die first. About the Tachy, people can be normally tach; I have seen this on many units as a nursing student, but that patient who has a sudden decreased LOC would probably need to be seen asap. I am no expert at this myself. I have been practicing more with Lacharity and the Davis CD with these types of questions. Also, People say NCLEX is testing our "judgement. I would ask, should I delay seeing the person who has the decreased LOC, could this person die if I delay treatment etc???

Also, it would be the patient with the four saturated peri pads, because this person seems like they are hemorrhaging. I think this person could die faster than the rest if care is delayed.

ya im confused too,,,but when i took ncsbn,,,they say that sudden confusion is a sign of hypoxia,,and so should be given priority...

Specializes in CVICU, ICU, Cardiac/Telemetry.

Good points everyone.

I think with regards to the soaked peri pads (ie/ possible hemmorhage) versus sudden decreased LOC - I would think that the sudden decreased LOC would take priority because this person is exhibiting some more concrete symptoms then just bleeding alone. Obviously the bleeding needs prompt attention - but in the big picture, can the person with sudden decreased LOC afford to be unattended too while assessing the bleeding patient? Or can the bleeding patient possibly last a little longer waiting than the decreased LOC?

Horrible thing to have to choose between if you ask me, but I think who has the chance of going sour quicker - the decreased LOC is already starting to go sour in my opinion. The bleed definitely is on the way to sour, but isn't right at that point yet (unless it was specified in the scenario)....

Just my thoughts :)

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