The student nurse is seeking to learn skills associated with priority

The student nurse is seeking to learn skills associated with priority setting. In discussing different priorities of care, an example of a second-order priority is:

1. The need to urinate
2. An obstructed airway
3. The side effects of a medication
4. Activities of daily living in the home environment

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Second-order priority needs are actual problems for which the client or family has requested im-mediate help, such as a full bladder. An obstructed airway is a first-order priority need because it is an immediate threat to a client’s survival or safety. Side effects of a medication is an example of a third-order priority need. It is a relatively urgent actual or potential problem that the client or family does not recognize. Activities of daily living in the home environment is a fourth-order priority need. It is an actual or potential problem with which the client or family may need help in the future.