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

Choice A rationale:

While providing end-of-life education is important, it is not a specific requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. The act primarily focuses on ensuring that patients' wishes regarding medical treatment and interventions are respected through advance directives.

Choice B rationale:

Documenting in the client's medical record if the client has advance directives is a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. This documentation ensures that healthcare providers are aware of the patient's preferences regarding medical treatment, especially in end-of-life situations. Advance directives may include living wills or durable power of attorney for healthcare, allowing patients to express their choices regarding medical interventions and appointing someone to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.

Choice C rationale:

Providing the client with a list of eligible individuals who can serve as a health care proxy is not a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. While it can be helpful, the act primarily emphasizes documenting and respecting the patient's existing advance directives.

Choice D rationale:

Ensuring the client has an attorney for assistance with end-of-life documents is not a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. While legal advice can be beneficial, the act primarily focuses on healthcare providers' responsibilities in documenting and respecting patients' advance directives.

• A. Correct. Difficulty performing ADLs such as dressing, grooming, bathing, or feeding may indicate that the client has impaired motor function, sensory perception, or cognitive ability due to the stroke, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy can help the client regain or adapt their skills and abilities for daily living.
• B. Incorrect. Inability to swallow clear liquids may indicate that the client has dysphagia or impaired swallowing function due to the stroke, which can increase their risk of aspiration and malnutrition. Speech therapy can help the client improve their swallowing function and provide recommendations for safe oral intake.
• C. Incorrect. Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate that the client has diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism due to the stroke, which can affect their healing and recovery process and increase their risk of complications such as infection or hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia episodes. Diabetes education and management can help the client control their blood glucose levels and prevent adverse outcomes.
• D. Incorrect. Unsteady gait when ambulating may indicate that the client has impaired balance, coordination, or muscle strength due to the stroke, which can affect their mobility and safety and increase their risk of falls or injuries. Physical therapy can help the client improve their gait and mobility and provide assistive devices if needed.