Making Smart Choices in Real Time

Prioritization is a daily activity for nurses. Real-world scenarios often require you to decide which patient needs attention first, often with limited resources.

How to Prioritize

• Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC): Always start with the basics.
• Maslow’s Hierarchy: Meet physiological needs first.
• Acute vs. Chronic: Acute issues usually take priority over chronic ones.

Applying the Skills

Practice using mock scenarios and NCLEX-style questions to sharpen your prioritization skills.

Common Pitfalls

• Getting distracted by less urgent tasks.
• Not reassessing priorities as situations change.