The nurse is providing care for a patient in status epilepticus. What nursing intervention takes the highest priority?

Choice C rationale
Patients with Ménière’s disease are often advised to limit or avoid foods high in sodium, such as canned soup. High sodium intake can increase fluid retention, which can exacerbate the symptoms of Ménière’s disease, such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Choice A rationale
There is no specific recommendation for patients with Ménière’s disease to limit or avoid red meat. However, a balanced diet that includes lean proteins is generally recommended for overall health.
Choice B rationale
Frozen yogurt is not specifically contraindicated for patients with Ménière’s disease. However, patients should be mindful of the sugar content, as high sugar intake can potentially trigger symptoms.

Choice D rationale
Shellfish is not specifically contraindicated for patients with Ménière’s disease. However, patients should be mindful of the preparation method and any added sodium, which can exacerbate symptoms.

Choice C rationale
When providing care for a comatose patient, a nurse should evaluate motor responses by observing the patient’s response to painful stimuli. This can be done by applying a painful stimulus, such as a trapezius pinch or nailbed pressure, and observing the patient’s motor response. Purposeful or semi-purposeful movements, such as localizing or withdrawing from pain, can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function.
Choice A rationale
The Romberg test is used to evaluate balance and is not typically used to evaluate motor responses in a comatose patient.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s sensitivity to temperature and touch can provide information about sensory function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.
Choice D rationale

Observing the reaction of pupils to light can provide information about cranial nerve function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.