Priority Questions

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I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out a certain type of question I have difficulty with. Its those questions that give you 4 patients and you have to decide which one to see first. Or a home health nurse has to decide which patient to visit first. Sometimes I can get it, like if the patient is having difficulty breathing, go to that one... But alot of times I just cant get it. Can anyone help me figure out how to answer these?? Am i the only one that finds these difficult?!?

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma.

Always go with Airway, Breathing, and Circulation to prioritize. Beyond that, in prioritizing what you can do for the patient: assessing first is always a big thing. Also, the NCLEX tends to want you to perform a nursing action if that is an option, don't assume you have a doctor's order if it isn't stated in the question. Those ones are tricky, always seems like you can narrow it down to two good answers:(

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Specializes in ED.

Stable vs unstable

ABC

which one will have a better effect.

it helps a lot :)

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MASLOW HIERARCHY OF HUMAN NEEDS.. U NEED TO KNOW THIS IF THE QUESTION DOES NOT FIT INTO THE ""ABC'S" i can not stress enough why you need to know this!!!

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Specializes in L & D, Med-Surge, Dialysis.

To answer priority question, you need to apply ABC. First priority is airway! If you've 4 pt always attend to pt with airway and breathing problem first then follow by heart problem. Good luck!

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

Answer triage questions with ABC, Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, if it gives out age, (take note of that), if the patient is stable or unstable. Do assess before you intervene unless the situation is an emergency. Remember your nursing process too. Always ask yourself if all of the above can be applied to each question but never ask yourself "what if?". It's a big NO-NO on aswering these type of questions. Good Luck! =D

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Specializes in oncology/ medicine.

Also try the book by Linda A. Lacharity. This book is for Prioritization, Delegation Assignment. It is a great book to practice. It is by Mosby. you can get it from barns and nobles for under $30. Also like everyone said look for ABC. Good Luck.

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