The RN is using clinical judgment to determine which patient she needs to see first. What is one primary reason for prioritizing care?

Choice A reason: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. The main source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight, which triggers the skin to produce it. The nurse should advise the client to spend at least 15 minutes outdoors every day, preferably in the morning or evening, when the sun is not too strong. The client should also wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent sunburn and skin damage.

Choice B reason: Reducing the amount of cereal in the diet is not a good recommendation for increasing vitamin D intake. Cereal is often fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients, such as iron and folic acid. The nurse should encourage the client to choose cereals that are high in vitamin D and low in sugar and fat. The client should also consume other foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, and mushrooms.

Choice C reason: Increasing intake of dietary calcium is important for preventing and treating osteoporosis, but it does not directly affect vitamin D intake. Calcium is a mineral that helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. The nurse should recommend the client to consume foods that are high in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and tofu. The client should also take a calcium supplement if needed, as prescribed by the provider.

Choice D reason: Adding a regular exercise routine is beneficial for improving overall health and well-being, but it does not directly influence vitamin D intake. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles and bones, prevent falls and fractures, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The nurse should suggest the client to engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week. The client should choose exercises that are appropriate for their age and fitness level, such as walking, swimming, or yoga.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because reassessing the patient is not the next step after completing an assessment. Reassessment is done periodically or when there is a change in the patient's condition, but not immediately after the initial assessment.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because writing nursing interventions is not the next step after completing an assessment. Nursing interventions are the actions that the nurse plans and implements to achieve the desired outcomes for the patient. They are based on the nursing diagnoses, which are derived from the analysis of the assessment data.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because analyzing cues is the next step after completing an assessment. Analysis is the process of identifying patterns, relationships, and trends in the assessment data, and comparing them with the normal and expected findings. Analysis helps the nurse to identify the patient's problems, needs, strengths, and risks.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because creating SMART goals is not the next step after completing an assessment. SMART goals are the specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound outcomes that the nurse and the patient agree on. They are based on the nursing diagnoses, which are derived from the analysis of the assessment data.