Question

A nurse is prioritizing client care after receiving change-of-shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?

A. A client who is scheduled for an abdominal x-ray and is awaiting transport

B. A client who has a prescription for discharge

C. A client who received oral pain medication 30 min ago

D. A client who told an assistive personnel he is short of breath

Answer 1

A nurse should be able to prioritize the needs of his/her client.
Maslow's hierarchy is considered as the basis for prioritizing the nursing care. According to him, five levels of hierarchy in order are;
1-Biological and physiological needs
2-Safety needs
3-Love and belongingness needs
4-Esteem needs
5-Self actualization needs

So, as per this hierarchy the nurse in the question should see the last client (D) first. Because he is in need of oxygen which is physiological need of a person

He is in urgent situation which means immediate care.In case of delay even death can be happen.

The prioritized order of the given clients is as follows;
D-Impaired breathing(physiological)
C-pain(safety)
A​​​​​​-knowledge deficit(Love and belongingness)
B-Discharge(self actualization)