NCLEX RN Practice Question

When prioritizing client care, the nurse should focus on addressing the patient with the greatest risk to life or critical bodily functions. This is often referred to as using the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) of prioritization. In this case, a client with difficulty breathing presents an immediate threat to life, requiring prompt intervention. While conditions like post-surgery pain or monitoring IV fluids are important, they do not pose the same level of urgency as respiratory distress. Delegating tasks like ambulation assistance is also appropriate, but it is not urgent.