A client is brought to the Emergency Department as one of the first victims of a train accident. The client reports light-headedness, a weak pulse, and uncontrolled bleeding. Which priority tag should a triage nurse use to categorize this client?

Choice A reason: Completing a survey of the various ethnicities represented in the nurse's community is a good way to learn about diversity, but it is not the first step in developing cultural competence. The nurse should first examine their own cultural background and biases, and how they affect their interactions with clients.

Choice B reason: Studying the beliefs and traditions of persons living in other cultures is a valuable way to gain knowledge and understanding, but it is not the first step in developing cultural competence. The nurse should first be aware of their own cultural values and assumptions, and how they influence their perceptions and judgments.

Choice C reason: Considering how the nurse's own personal beliefs and decisions are reflective of their culture is the first step in developing cultural competence. The nurse should recognize that culture is not only about ethnicity, but also about age, gender, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and other factors. The nurse should also acknowledge that culture is dynamic and complex and that each person has a unique cultural identity.

Choice D reason: Inviting a family from another culture to join the nurse for an event is a nice way to show respect and interest, but it is not the first step in developing cultural competence. The nurse should first develop self-awareness and sensitivity, and avoid making stereotypes or generalizations about other cultures.

Choice A reason: The client's financial resources is not the most important factor for the nurse to consider. Although Meals-on-Wheels is a low-cost or free service that provides nutritious meals to homebound seniors and people with disabilities, it does not require a specific income level or financial status to qualify. The nurse should focus on the client's nutritional and functional needs, rather than their economic situation.

Choice B reason: The client's level of family support is not the most important factor for the nurse to consider. Although having family members who can assist with meal preparation and delivery can be helpful and beneficial for the client, it is not a requirement or a guarantee for receiving Meals-on-Wheels. The nurse should assess the client's individual capabilities and preferences, rather than their family availability or involvement.

Choice C reason: The client's access to transportation is not the most important factor for the nurse to consider. Although having access to transportation can enable the client to obtain food and groceries from other sources, such as stores, markets, or restaurants, it is not a criterion or a barrier for receiving Meals-on-Wheels. The nurse should evaluate the client's dietary and health needs, rather than their mobility or transportation options.

Choice D reason: The client's ability to prepare meals is the most important factor for the nurse to consider. Meals-on-Wheels is designed to serve clients who are unable to cook or shop for themselves due to physical, mental, or social limitations. The nurse should determine if the client has any impairments or challenges that prevent them from preparing their own meals, such as vision loss, arthritis, dementia, or isolation. If the client has difficulty or inability to prepare meals, they may be eligible for Meals-on-Wheels.