A homeless client arrives in the emergency room. The client verbalizes an inability to bathe for at least one month. What is the nurse's priority?

Choice A reason: Once the tissue has necrosed from high pressure, it does not regenerate is the best explanation, because it describes the mechanism and outcome of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased intraocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve and the retina, the tissues that are responsible for transmitting and processing visual information. Once these tissues are necrosed, or dead, they do not regenerate, or grow back, resulting in irreversible vision loss.

Choice B reason: Glaucoma always leads to permanent blindness is not a good explanation, because it is inaccurate and pessimistic. Glaucoma does not always lead to permanent blindness, but rather to progressive vision loss that can be prevented or slowed down with early diagnosis and treatment. Glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, or blind spots, but not necessarily complete blindness.

Choice C reason: Once retinal detachment occurs, it does not return to its normal state is not a good explanation, because it is irrelevant and misleading. Retinal detachment is a condition that occurs when the retina separates from the underlying layer of blood vessels, which can cause vision loss or blindness. However, retinal detachment is not caused by glaucoma, nor is it a common complication of glaucoma. Retinal detachment can sometimes be repaired with surgery, depending on the extent and duration of the detachment.

Choice D reason: Once bacterial infection has caused damage, the tissue does not regenerate is not a good explanation, because it is incorrect and confusing. Bacterial infection is not a cause or a consequence of glaucoma, but rather a separate condition that can affect the eye. Bacterial infection can cause inflammation, pain, discharge, or redness in the eye, but not necessarily vision loss or tissue necrosis. Bacterial infection can usually be treated with antibiotics, which can prevent or reverse the damage.

Choice A reason: This is the highest priority client because sudden and increasing pain in a fractured arm can indicate a complication, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. Infection is a condition where microorganisms invade the wound site, causing inflammation, pus, and fever. Nerve damage is a condition where the nerves are injured by the fracture, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness. The nurse should see this client first and assess the arm for any signs of these complications, such as swelling, pallor, loss of sensation, or impaired movement. The nurse should also elevate the arm, loosen any bandages or casts, and administer pain medication as ordered.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a fractured ankle is a common and stable condition that affects the lower extremity. A glass of water is a comfort and hydration need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and provide the glass of water, as well as monitor the ankle for any signs of complications, such as edema, infection, or impaired circulation.

Choice C reason: This is not the highest priority client because rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and manageable condition that affects the joints. A scheduled pain medication is a routine and preventive need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and administer the pain medication, as well as assess the joints for any signs of inflammation, stiffness, or deformity.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a discharge teaching is a discharge and education need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client last and teach the client how to use the crutches, as well as provide any other discharge instructions, such as wound care, activity restrictions, or followup appointments.