The nurse is teaching a client with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis about home safety. Which statement should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: This is the highest priority client because sudden and increasing pain in a fractured arm can indicate a complication, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. Infection is a condition where microorganisms invade the wound site, causing inflammation, pus, and fever. Nerve damage is a condition where the nerves are injured by the fracture, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness. The nurse should see this client first and assess the arm for any signs of these complications, such as swelling, pallor, loss of sensation, or impaired movement. The nurse should also elevate the arm, loosen any bandages or casts, and administer pain medication as ordered.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a fractured ankle is a common and stable condition that affects the lower extremity. A glass of water is a comfort and hydration need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and provide the glass of water, as well as monitor the ankle for any signs of complications, such as edema, infection, or impaired circulation.

Choice C reason: This is not the highest priority client because rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and manageable condition that affects the joints. A scheduled pain medication is a routine and preventive need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and administer the pain medication, as well as assess the joints for any signs of inflammation, stiffness, or deformity.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a discharge teaching is a discharge and education need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client last and teach the client how to use the crutches, as well as provide any other discharge instructions, such as wound care, activity restrictions, or followup appointments.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect answer because Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers certain groups of people, such as the elderly, the disabled, and the lowincome. Medicare does not publish the National Patient Safety Goals, but it does have its own quality and safety standards that health care providers must meet to receive reimbursement.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect answer because the American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization that represents the interests of registered nurses in the United States. The ANA does not publish the National Patient Safety Goals, but it does have its own code of ethics, standards of practice, and policies that guide nursing practice and promote quality and safety.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because the Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies more than 22,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission publishes the National Patient Safety Goals, which are specific and measurable goals that address the most critical patient safety issues in health care. The Joint Commission updates the goals annually based on the latest evidence and expert input.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect answer because the Institute of Medicine (IOM) is a division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which is a private, nonprofit organization that provides independent, objective, and authoritative advice to inform policy and practice. The IOM does not publish the National Patient Safety Goals, but it does conduct research and issue reports on various topics related to health and health care, including quality and safety.