A nurse is caring for four children in an emergency department.
Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

Choice A rationale:

Documenting the client's vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel is correct. Documenting vital signs is fundamental and immediate requirement when admitting a client to ensure their current health status is accurately captured and can be monitored effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Charting a summary of the data at the change of the shift is incorrect. While it's essential to provide an update at shift change, this option suggests summarizing the data, which might not include all necessary details. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for continuity of care and accurate communication among healthcare providers. Documenting specific vital signs, assessments, interventions, and the client's response to those interventions is necessary for effective patient care.

Choice C rationale:

Noting whether the client has a living will is incorrect. While it's essential to be aware of a client's advanced directives, this information is typically gathered during the admission process or during routine assessments. It is not the immediate action to be taken upon admission. Vital signs and other immediate clinical data take precedence during the initial documentation process.

Choice D rationale:

Beginning charting with an evaluation of the data is incorrect. It is important to document objective data, such as vital signs, observations, and assessments, before making any evaluations or interpretations. Objective data provide the basis for clinical decisions and interventions. Starting with evaluations might lead to biased documentation, potentially overlooking important clinical findings.

Choice A rationale:

Suggesting that the client attend adult day care three times per week is incorrect. While social interaction is essential for the elderly, it does not address the specific needs of a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, attending adult day care may not necessarily promote diabetes management.

Choice B rationale:

Reviewing assisted living accommodations with the client is incorrect. Assisted living facilities might be suitable for some elderly individuals, but in this case, the client lives independently. There is no indication in the question stem that the client needs assisted living arrangements at this time.

Choice C rationale:

Discussing a long-term care referral for the client with the provider is incorrect. Long-term care facilities are designed for individuals who require extensive assistance with daily activities. There is no information in the question suggesting that the client's condition has deteriorated to the extent of needing long-term care.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client about the use of telehealth services is the correct intervention. Telehealth services, including remote monitoring of blood glucose levels, virtual consultations with healthcare providers, and medication management, can enhance diabetes management for elderly individuals living independently in rural areas. Telehealth provides access to healthcare professionals without the need for frequent travel, addressing the challenges faced by individuals residing in remote areas.