Question

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a school-age child whose family is homeless. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Option 1: Limited access to extracurricular activities.
Option 2: Inability to afford the latest electronic devices.
Option 3: Lack of a stable and safe living environment.
Option 4: Difficulty in making friends at school.

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize creating a stable and safe living environment for a homeless school-age child as it addresses the child's basic needs and overall well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options presented, Option 3: Lack of a stable and safe living environment should be identified as the priority in the nurse's plan of care for a school-age child whose family is homeless. This is because a secure environment is essential for the child's basic needs, like safety and shelter, which are critical for survival and well-being.

Options such as limited access to extracurricular activities and inability to afford the latest electronic devices, though important for social development and keeping pace with educational technology, are secondary compared to the fundamental need for a safe living situation. Difficulty in making friends at school, relates more to social and emotional development, but again does not take precedence over the need for a safe place to live.

Interventions for such a priority might include collaborating with community resources to provide temporary housing solutions, ensuring the child has access to nutritious meals, and possibly creating a safe space within the school environment where the child can feel secure and supported.