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How does the nurse prioritize care using clinical judgment?
Asked on Jan 17, 2026
Answer
Prioritizing care using clinical judgment involves assessing patient needs, identifying urgent issues, and applying nursing principles to ensure safe and effective care. Nurses use tools like the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and patient acuity to determine the order of interventions.
Example Concept: Clinical judgment in nursing prioritization involves evaluating patient conditions to identify life-threatening issues first, such as compromised airway or severe bleeding. Nurses then address other physiological needs, followed by safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs, as per Maslow's hierarchy. This systematic approach ensures that critical interventions are performed promptly, improving patient outcomes and safety.
Additional Comment:
- Use ABCs to address immediate life-threatening conditions first.
- Consider Maslow's hierarchy to prioritize physiological and safety needs.
- Evaluate patient acuity and clinical status to guide decision-making.
- Document assessments and interventions accurately for continuity of care.
- Apply NCLEX-style reasoning: safety-first, acute vs chronic, and expected vs unexpected findings.
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