Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize assessing the client's respiratory status (option 1) when caring for a client with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Providing an alternate means of communication and referring the client and family to support groups are also important, but respiratory status is crucial for the client's health. Active range-of-motion exercises are beneficial but not the highest priority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should give priority to assessing the client's respiratory status in the case of a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a neurological disease that affects the motor neurons, including those involved in breathing. As the disease progresses, respiratory muscles weaken, which can lead to respiratory distress and respiratory failure. Therefore, assessing the client's respiratory status is crucial to ensure prompt intervention if necessary.
Providing an alternate means of communication and referring the client and family to community support groups are also essential aspects of caring for a client with ALS. However, respiratory status takes precedence because it directly affects the client's health and well-being.
Instituting a routine of active range-of-motion exercises can be beneficial for maintaining muscle function and preventing contractures in clients with ALS. Although important, it is not the highest priority in this case.