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: Developing a survey on teen pregnancies is not a priority intervention for a public health nurse who is assigned to a new community. This is a specific topic that may not be relevant or important for the whole population. A survey also requires time and resources to design, distribute, and analyze.

Choice B reason: Holding a focus group to discuss immunizations is not a priority intervention for a public health nurse who is assigned to a new community. This is a specific topic that may not be representative of the community's health needs and concerns. A focus group also requires recruitment, facilitation, and interpretation of the participants' views.

Choice C reason: Interviewing the elderly at the senior center is not a priority intervention for a public health nurse who is assigned to a new community. This is a specific group that may not reflect the diversity and characteristics of the whole population. An interview also requires consent, rapport, and recording of the responses.

Choice D reason: Performing a windshield survey is a priority intervention for a public health nurse who is assigned to a new community. This is a general method that allows the nurse to observe and assess various aspects of the environment that affect the health and well-being of the population. A windshield survey also requires minimal resources and can be done quickly and easily. A windshield survey is a method of assessing the health needs and resources of a community by driving or walking around and observing various aspects of the environment, such as housing, transportation, services, and safety. This is a priority intervention for a public health nurse who wants to get a comprehensive overview of the community and identify its strengths and weaknesses.

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.