247SimpleTests
NCLEX · Mental Health Concepts

What is the FIRST priority principle when caring for any client who may be at risk of harm to self or others?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Safety

  1. A Health teaching
  2. B Safety
  3. C Documentation
  4. D Discharge planning

Why this is the answer

Safety is the first priority in caring for any client who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. Ensuring a safe environment — for the client, other clients, and staff — takes precedence over other interventions such as documentation, teaching, or discharge planning. This reflects the general nursing principle that maintaining safety and preventing harm comes first. When safety concerns are identified, the nurse follows facility protocols and involves the appropriate members of the care team. Prioritizing safety is a foundational psychosocial and general nursing concept. (This reflects general principles; specific protocols and assessments should be verified against current NCLEX prep and facility policy.)
Source: NCLEX-PN Psychosocial — Safety Priority

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Mental Health Concepts and other topics.

Take the PN: Psychosocial Integrity practice test →

About this topic: Mental Health Concepts

Mental health concepts cover anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders and personality disorders — the signs, the priority nursing concerns (safety first) and the therapeutic approach. This is one of 18 PN: Psychosocial Integrity questions on mental health concepts, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Mental Health Concepts

A nurse is admitting a client with major depressive disorder. Which finding requires the MOST immediate attention?

 Mental Health Concepts

A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, 'The government has planted a chip in my brain to control my thoughts.' How should the nurse respond?

 Mental Health Concepts

A nurse is caring for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Which behavior is MOST characteristic of mania?

 Mental Health Concepts

A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) reports constant worry, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating for more than 6 months. Which non-pharmacological nursing intervention is MOST evidence-based?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN 9th Ed. (Elsevier)

The gold standard for NCLEX-RN prep: 5,200+ practice questions, content review, test-taking strategy.

Check Price → Study guide

NCLEX-PN Prep Plus (Kaplan)

Targeted NCLEX-PN content review with hundreds of practice questions and video explanations.

Check Price → Study guide

Prioritization, Delegation & Assignment (Elsevier)

The leading resource for NCLEX questions on prioritization, delegation, and management of care.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →