Which assessment made by the nurse should be addressed first?
a. Reddened area to coccyx
b. Decreased urinary output
c. Shortness of breath
d. Drainage from surgical incision
ANS: C
It is essential that the nurse identify life-threatening concerns and patient situations that need to be addressed most quickly. The ABCs of life supportâ€"airway, breathing, and circulationâ€"are a valuable tool for directing the nurse's thought process. Depending on the severity of a problem, the steps of the nursing process may be performed in a matter of seconds. For instance, if a patient is in respiratory arrest, the most critical goal is for the patient to begin breathing. The reddened coccyx, decreased urinary output, and surgical incision drainage are not immediately life threatening.
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