Final answer:
The home care nurse's greatest concern in caring for a young single parent with limited cognitive abilities is her cognitive ability to understand and follow through with care and parenting responsibilities. Other important aspects include financial stability, family support, and physical health, but they are secondary to cognitive understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest concern for a home care nurse in caring for a 17-year-old single parent with a child, pregnant with a second, and with the mental age of a 12-year-old is b. Cognitive ability to understand. This encapsulates the capacity to comprehend and adhere to health guidance, care for her children, and make informed decisions about her own and her children's well-being. Additionally, the younger the parent and the lower the cognitive ability, the higher the risk they might struggle to cope with the stresses of parenting, which can lead to an increased risk of child abuse and neglect. Ensuring that the mother understands the information and instructions given to her and can apply them is crucial for the safety and health of both her and her children.
Other concerns, such as a. Financial stability, c. Availability of family support, and d. Physical health status are also important but are secondary to ensuring the cognitive ability to understand and follow through with care and parenting responsibilities.
Observations from various sources recognize that younger parents, especially teen mothers, are less capable of managing the stresses of new parenthood, which is elevated when the parent has a lower cognitive maturity. The nurse will need to assess the cognitive ability of the expectant teen mother, ensuring that support systems are in place, including family support, financial stability, and healthcare access.