A nurse is working in a shelter following a disaster. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

Choice A reason: Determining the client's understanding of her living situation is the first action that the nurse should take. This is based on the principle of client-centered care, which states that the nurse should respect the client's values, preferences, and needs, and involve the client in the decision-making process. The nurse should assess the client's perception of her homelessness, the factors that contributed to it, and the resources that are available to her.

Choice B reason: Assisting the client to develop goals for obtaining shelter is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention, but it should be done after the nurse has assessed the client's understanding of her living situation and explored the client's readiness and motivation to change.

Choice C reason: Discussing the risks of being homeless with the client is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention, but it should be done after the nurse has assessed the client's understanding of her living situation and established a trusting relationship with the client. The nurse should avoid being judgmental or paternalistic, and instead use a harm reduction approach that focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of homelessness.

Choice D reason: Developing client teaching using a variety of strategies is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important intervention, but it should be done after the nurse has assessed the client's understanding of her living situation and identified the client's learning needs and preferences. The nurse should use strategies that are appropriate for the client's literacy level, language, culture, and cognitive ability.

Choice A reason: A consultant is someone who provides expert advice or guidance on a specific topic or problem. A nurse case manager may act as a consultant when collaborating with other health care professionals or community agencies, but not when arranging for the delivery of medical equipment to the client's home.

Choice B reason: A systems allocator is someone who distributes or allocates resources or services within a system or organization. A nurse case manager may act as a systems allocator when managing the cost and quality of care for a client, but not when arranging for the delivery of medical equipment to the client's home.

Choice C reason: An advocate is someone who supports or defends the rights or interests of another person or group. A nurse case manager may act as an advocate when promoting the client's autonomy, dignity, and well-being, but not when arranging for the delivery of medical equipment to the client's home.

Choice D reason: A coordinator is someone who organizes or facilitates the activities or interactions of different people or groups. A nurse case manager acts as a coordinator when arranging for the delivery of medical equipment to the client's home, as this involves coordinating with the client, the provider, the supplier, and the insurance company.