Prioritize Hypotheses

Step 3 of NCJMM: ranking possible problems by urgency

Definition

Prioritize Hypotheses is Step 3 of the NCJMM. The nurse evaluates possible explanations for the patient's presentation and determines which is most likely, most urgent, or most important.

Prioritization Principles

Life-threatening conditions first (ABCs)
Unstable before stable
Acute before chronic
Most likely given the cues

Item Formats

Drop-down cloze ('The client is most likely experiencing ______'), bowtie items (center of bowtie).

Strategy

Consider probability and urgency together. Use clinical frameworks (ABCs, Maslow). Look for supporting and refuting evidence.

NCLEX Relevance

Heart of NGN case studies. What is going on?