A client was quite ill and the family was doing their best. After careful assessment and diagnosis, the home health nurse was setting priorities for care. Which of the following should be the basis for deciding which intervention to implement first?

Question

a. Address the problem that is easiest to fix first so the client and family could see some success fairly quickly
b. Address the most serious problem first for the client's long-term health
c. Address the problem that is partly causing other problems first
d. Address the problem that the client and family think should be addressed first

Answer 1

ANS: D
The plan, including short-term and long-term goals, is developed in consultation with the client and the family. To maximize the plan's success, it is important that the patient and family are involved. If the client expresses a disinterest, the nurse will be limited in possible interventions. Goals are identified that the client is willing to work toward with the nurse's assistance. Thus, it is most important to address the problem that the client and family think should be addressed first. The other problems can be addressed after meeting the immediate needs of the client and family.