A client was admitted to the community palliative care unit ten years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which intervention should the nurse prioritize in the client’s care plan?

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

Respite care is a service that provides temporary relief to primary caregivers, allowing them time to rest and take care of their own needs. It can be provided in the client’s home, a healthcare facility, or an adult day care center. This service is especially beneficial for caregivers who are feeling exhausted, as it offers them a break while ensuring that their loved ones continue to receive care. Therefore, suggesting that social services be contacted to find a respite care facility for the client would be the best information for the nurse to provide.

Choice B rationale

Hiring a private nurse, also known as concierge nursing, is another option for providing relief to caregivers. However, this option might not be feasible for all families due to the potential cost. Moreover, it might not provide the caregiver with the same level of relief as respite care, as the caregiver might still feel obligated to be involved in the client’s care.

Choice C rationale

A case management evaluation of the client’s home environment could be helpful in assessing the client’s needs and identifying potential resources or modifications that could make caregiving easier. However, this does not directly address the caregiver’s need for rest and relief from their duties.

Choice D rationale

Recommending that the client’s family return to the area to help provide assistance could potentially provide some relief to the caregiver. However, this might not be a feasible or immediate solution, as it depends on the family’s availability and willingness to relocate or travel.

Answer and explanation The correct answer is C. Choice A rationale

A hurricane that destroys 50,000 homes and kills 5,000 victims is a high-intensity disaster, but it is not small-scope. The impact is widespread, affecting a large number of homes and people.

Choice B rationale

A forest fire that destroys 25,000 acres and causes significant damage to livestock is also a high-intensity disaster. However, the scope is not small as it affects a large area and has a significant impact on the local economy.

Choice C rationale

A tornado that destroys 25 houses and uproots an interstate for 0.5 miles is an example of a high-intensity, small-scope disaster. The disaster is high-intensity due to the destructive nature of a tornado, but the scope is relatively small, affecting only a limited number of houses and a small section of an interstate.

Choice D rationale

An explosion at a water treatment plant that affects the community water supply is a high- intensity disaster due to the potential for widespread impact on the community’s water supply. However, the scope is not necessarily small as it could affect a large population.