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How does the nurse determine priority when multiple patients require assessment?
Asked on Oct 20, 2025
Answer
Determining priority in patient assessments involves using clinical judgment to identify which patients have the most urgent needs based on their conditions and potential risks. Nurses often use frameworks like the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to guide prioritization.
Example Concept: Prioritization in nursing involves evaluating patients based on the severity of their conditions and the immediacy of their needs. The ABCs framework is a critical tool, ensuring that life-threatening issues such as compromised airway, ineffective breathing, or poor circulation are addressed first. Additionally, Maslow's Hierarchy can help prioritize based on physiological needs before addressing psychological or social concerns.
Additional Comment:
- Use the ABCs to address life-threatening issues first.
- Consider Maslow's Hierarchy to prioritize physiological needs.
- Evaluate acute vs. chronic conditions; acute issues often require immediate attention.
- Recognize unexpected findings as potential priorities over expected ones.
- Document assessments and rationales clearly for continuity of care.
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