A nurse is caring for a client who is homeless. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Determine the client's understanding of her living situation.
Assist the client to develop goals for obtaining shelter.
Discuss the risks of being homeless with the client.
Develop client teaching using a variety of strategies.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Determining the client's understanding of her living situation is the first action that the nurse should take. This is based on the principle of client-centered care, which states that the nurse should respect the client's values, preferences, and needs, and involve the client in the decision-making process. The nurse should assess the client's perception of her homelessness, the factors that contributed to it, and the resources that are available to her.
Choice B reason: Assisting the client to develop goals for obtaining shelter is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention, but it should be done after the nurse has assessed the client's understanding of her living situation and explored the client's readiness and motivation to change.
Choice C reason: Discussing the risks of being homeless with the client is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention, but it should be done after the nurse has assessed the client's understanding of her living situation and established a trusting relationship with the client. The nurse should avoid being judgmental or paternalistic, and instead use a harm reduction approach that focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of homelessness.
Choice D reason: Developing client teaching using a variety of strategies is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention, but it should be done after the nurse has assessed the client's understanding of her living situation and identified the client's learning needs and preferences. The nurse should use strategies that are appropriate for the client's literacy level, language, culture, and cognitive ability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Helping the client apply for Medicare is not the best action by the nurse, as Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, disabled, or have end-stage renal disease. The client does not meet any of these criteria and may not be eligible for Medicare.
Choice B reason: Exploring options for alternative therapies is not the best action by the nurse, as alternative therapies may not be effective or safe for treating tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that requires specific antibiotics to cure. Alternative therapies may also interfere with the prescribed medication or cause adverse effects.
Choice C reason: Arranging for medication through local agencies is the best action by the nurse, as it ensures that the client receives the appropriate treatment for tuberculosis. Local agencies may have programs or resources that can help the client access free or low-cost medication. The nurse should also educate the client about the importance of adhering to the medication regimen and completing the course of treatment.
Choice D reason: Sending the client to the nearest facility for further evaluation is not the best action by the nurse, as it may delay the initiation of treatment and increase the risk of transmission of tuberculosis to others. The client already has a diagnosis of tuberculosis and needs to start the treatment as soon as possible. The nurse should also advise the client to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others until the infection is no longer contagious.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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