Final answer:
To prioritize patient care, nurses assess the urgency and criticality of health needs. The highest priority is given to a client on a mechanical ventilator, followed by the client scheduled for a cardiac catheterization, and then the client in need of before-breakfast insulin. Other patients are prioritized according to the times of their medication needs, discharge, and therapy appointments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prioritizing Patient Care
In nursing, prioritizing patient care is crucial, especially when dealing with multiple patients with varying needs. The nurse must assess and determine which patient requires the most immediate attention based on their condition and the urgency of their care needs. Here's how the nurse might prioritize the six clients assigned:
Client who has a tracheostomy and is on a mechanical ventilator
Client who is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization at 9:00 AM
Client who requires before-breakfast insulin
Client who requires medications at 10:00 AM
Client who has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and who is scheduled for discharge to home
Client who is scheduled for physical therapy in the afternoon
The client on a mechanical ventilator requires constant monitoring and care to prevent life-threatening complications, making it the top priority. Cardiac catheterization is a timely procedure, and preparations are critical, ranking it second. The timing of insulin is important for blood sugar management, placing the client needing before-breakfast insulin third. Subsequent patients are prioritized based on the timing of their needs relating to medication administration, discharge processes, and scheduled therapy. This approach reflects principles found in standard nursing procedures where patient safety and criticality of health status dictate the order of care.