Discharge plans are being made for a 25-year-old hospitalized client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The client has significant muscle weakness in the lower extremities bilaterally. Which of the following facilities should the nurse expect this client to be discharged to?

Choice A reason: A black tag is not the appropriate priority tag for this client, as it indicates that the client is dead or has injuries that are incompatible with life. A black tag is used for clients who have no signs of life, such as pulse, respiration, or pupillary response, or who have severe injuries that cannot be treated with the available resources, such as massive head trauma, decapitation, or incineration. A black tag means that no further care or intervention is provided to the client.

Choice B reason: A red tag is the appropriate priority tag for this client, as it indicates that the client has life-threatening injuries that require immediate attention and treatment. A red tag is used for clients who have compromised airway, breathing, or circulation, such as respiratory distress, shock, severe bleeding, chest pain, or head injury. A red tag means that the client is given the highest priority and is treated as soon as possible.

Choice C reason: A green tag is not the appropriate priority tag for this client, as it indicates that the client has minor injuries that do not require urgent care or intervention. A green tag is used for clients who have stable vital signs and can walk or move without assistance, such as abrasions, sprains, fractures, or minor burns. A green tag means that the client is given the lowest priority and is treated after all other clients.

Choice D reason: A yellow tag is not the appropriate priority tag for this client, as it indicates that the client has serious injuries that require observation and treatment within a short time frame. A yellow tag is used for clients who have potential complications or deterioration of their condition, such as abdominal pain, pelvic injury, open wounds, or spinal injury. A yellow tag means that the client is given the second highest priority and is treated within 30 to 60 minutes.

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.