A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty performing activities of daily living. The nurse is functioning in which of the following roles when arranging for an occupational therapist to visit the client?

Choice A reason: Blood pressure screening is not the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is a physical assessment that can be done later in the visit. Blood pressure screening is important to monitor the client's cardiovascular health and risk of hypertension, but it is not a priority for the initial visit.

Choice B reason: Mental status examination is not the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is a psychological assessment that can be done later in the visit. Mental status examination is important to evaluate the client's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning and identify any mental health issues, but it is not a priority for the initial visit.

Choice C reason: Review of the neighborhood is the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is an environmental assessment that can provide valuable information about the client's living conditions, safety, and resources. Review of the neighborhood is important to identify any potential hazards, barriers, or needs that may affect the client's health and well-being, and to plan appropriate interventions and referrals.

Choice D reason: Family history is not the first thing that the nurse should perform, as it is a genetic and social assessment that can be done later in the visit. Family history is important to determine the client's risk of inheriting or developing certain diseases, and to understand the client's family dynamics and support system, but it is not a priority for the initial visit.

Choice A reason: Asking the client if they have been thinking about harming themselves is not the best response, as it may sound accusatory or judgmental. It may also make the client defensive or reluctant to share their feelings. The nurse should assess the client's suicide risk later, after establishing rapport and trust.

Choice B reason: Asking the client how long they have been feeling this way is not the most appropriate response, as it may imply that the nurse is more interested in the duration of the problem than the client's current situation. It may also suggest that the nurse expects the client to have a clear timeline of their feelings, which may not be the case.

Choice C reason: Telling the client to share what is going on with them right now is the best response, as it shows empathy and genuine interest in the client's perspective. It also invites the client to express their thoughts and emotions, and helps the nurse identify the factors that contribute to the client's sense of meaninglessness.

Choice D reason: Asking the client if they really think their life has no purpose is not a helpful response, as it may sound dismissive or sarcastic. It may also make the client feel invalidated or misunderstood, and reinforce their negative beliefs. The nurse should avoid challenging the client's statements, and instead explore the reasons behind them.